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Dexamethasone Ophthalmic

(dex a meth' a sone)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Dexamethasone reduces the irritation, redness, burning, and swelling of eye inflammation caused by chemicals, heat, radiation, infection, allergy, or foreign bodies in the eye. It is sometimes used after eye surgery.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Dexamethasone comes as eyedrops and eye ointment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use dexamethasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are using the suspension form of dexamethasone eyedrops (Maxidex), shake the bottle well before each dose. It is not necessary to shake dexamethasone eyedrop solution (Decadron).

To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• If using dexamethasone suspension eyedrops, shake the bottle well for 10 seconds.
• Remove the protective cap. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
• Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid andthe eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

To use the eye ointment, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
• Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
• Tilt your head forward slightly.
• Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
• Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away.
• Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

Dexamethasone eye drops may be used to reduce redness, burning, and swelling or inflammation in the ear. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before using dexamethasone eyedrops or eye ointment,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexamethasone, sulfites, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma or diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using dexamethasone, call your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor about stopping to breast-feed if you use dexamethasone eye drops.
• tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. If the brand of dexamethasone you are using contains benzalkonium chloride, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine to put in soft contact lenses.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Apply the missed drops or ointment as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Dexamethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• changes in vision, such as blurring and seeing halos around lights
• pressure and pain in the eye
• drooping of the eyelid

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you still have symptoms of eye irritation after you finish the dexamethasone, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Revised - 01/01/2002
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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