Dexamethasone ophthalmic

Generic name: Dexamethasone (ophthalmic)
Brand names: Maxidex
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Usage of Dexamethasone ophthalmic

Dexamethasone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexamethasone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

blurred vision, tunnel vision;

eye pain; or

if you see halos around lights.

Common side effects of dexamethasone may include:

eye irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Dexamethasone ophthalmic

You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

glaucoma; or

cataracts.

Using dexamethasone ophthalmic long-term may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Dexamethasone ophthalmic

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

If you use dexamethasone for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Warnings

You should not use dexamethasone if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

What other drugs will affect Dexamethasone ophthalmic

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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