Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension

• It is used to treat eye swelling.
• It is used to treat eye irritation.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Dexamethasone eye drops are used to treat eye inflammation. They can be used to treat macular edema (swelling in the eye) caused by diabetes or other conditions. The eye drops also used to treat inflammation in the eyes caused by an allergy or infection.

Dexamethasone comes as an oral tablet, oral solution, or eye drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution, which is only given by a healthcare provider.

The dexamethasone eye drops are available as the brand-name drug Maxidex. They’re also available as a generic drug.

• Contamination See Details

• Infection See Details

• Long-term use See Details

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a prescription medication. It’s available as an oral tablet, an oral solution, or eye drops. It’s also available as an injectable solution, which is only given by a healthcare provider.

Dexamethasone eye drops are available as the brand-name drug Maxidex. They are also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. 

Why it's used

Dexamethasone eye drops are used to treat eye inflammation. Symptoms can include pain or swelling in the eye.

How it works

Dexamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called steroids. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.

More Details

An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking.

To find out how dexamethasone might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

People with eye infections

Dexamethasone eye drops can cover up or worsen certain infections of the eye. Don’t use them if you have fungal or viral infections of the eye. These include herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, or varicella. Also, don’t use this medication if you have tuberculosis of the eye.

Pregnant women

Dexamethasone is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:

1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Women who are breast-feeding

It’s not known how much of this drug, if any, enters the breast milk. Because of the risk of side effects, talk to your doctor about using dexamethasone while breast-feeding.

For children

A safe and effective dose for children hasn’t been established.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor if your vision gets worse, or you have symptoms of a secondary eye infection (an infection following the infection being treated). Symptoms can include:

• worsened eye redness
• itching
• burning
• discharge

Allergies

Sulfite allergy: Some dexamethasone products contain sulfites as a preservative (such as sodium bisulfate).  Don’t use dexamethasone drops that contain sulfites if you have a sulfite allergy.