Question

A 69-year-old female with scleritis and has been taking 600 mg of ibuprofen three times per day. She presents for a follow-up and stated she had not had any improvement in her symptoms after 7 days. What is the next best treatment option at this time?

A. Prescribe oral prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for one month
B. Prescribe topical prednisolone acetate 1% four times per day for one week
C. Discontinue ibuprofen
D. Prescribe topical artificial tears four times per day

Answer 1

The next best treatment option for the patient with scleritis is to prescribe topical prednisolone acetate 1% four times per day for one week.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next best treatment option for the 69-year-old female with scleritis who has not experienced any improvement in her symptoms after 7 days of taking 600 mg ibuprofen three times per day is to B. Prescribe topical prednisolone acetate 1% four times per day for one week.

Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. It is a serious condition that may require stronger anti-inflammatory medication to control the inflammation. Topical prednisolone acetate is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

Discontinuing ibuprofen may not be sufficient to treat the underlying cause of scleritis. Prescribing oral prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for one month may be too aggressive as a first-line treatment without considering other options. Prescribing topical artificial tears would not address the inflammation causing the symptoms.