Uses
This medication is used to treat certain eye conditions due to inflammation or injury. Dexamethasone works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.
How To Use
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.
To apply the eye ointment, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/2 inch (1.5 centimeters) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.
Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Apply as often as directed by your doctor. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, other drops or ointments), apply the eye drops first and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying this eye ointment. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.
Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, ointment turns a dark color or develops particles in it). Use of contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Temporary blurred vision may occur when you apply this medication. Rarely, stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Use of this medication for prolonged periods or in high doses may cause serious eye problems (such as high pressure inside the eyes and cataracts). Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:
This medication may mask the signs of an eye infection. It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye infection, especially with prolonged use. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as eye discharge/swelling/redness or no improvement of your current eye condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your treatment.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using dexamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eye infections
- recent eye surgery
- cataracts
- glaucoma (open-angle type)
- severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- diabetes
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
If you develop a new eye infection or injury, or require eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current tube of dexamethasone eye ointment or start a new tube.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, measurement of the pressure inside the eyes) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
