Dexamethasone Drops is utilized to deal with particular eye conditions due to inflammation or injury. Dexamethasone works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, soreness, and itching. It comes from a class of drugs referred to as corticosteroids.
This medication might also be used to deal with swelling, inflammation, and itching of the outer ear due to inflammatory conditions.
An eye specialist usually prescribes dexamethasone eye drops.
Unless you’ve been told otherwise, use the drops every 30-60 minutes till your symptoms are controlled and then 4-6 times a day for a few days.
Eye drops can cause blurred vision when first put in. Do not drive and do not utilize tools or machines until your vision is clear once again.
About Dexamethasone Eye Drops
| Type of medicine | Corticosteroid eye drops |
| Used for | To treat eye inflammation |
| Also called | Maxidex®; Minims® Dexamethasone; Dexafree®; Dropodex® |
| Available as | Eye drops, and single-use units |
Dexamethasone eye drops are utilized to treat short-term inflammatory eye conditions. They are usually prescribed by an eye professional. They consist of a corticosteroid (sometimes called a ‘steroid’) which helps eliminate inflammation, inflammation, and irritation.
Some dexamethasone eye drops likewise contain an anti-infective medication. These drops are often utilized to avoid infections from establishing following eye surgery.
Before Using Dexamethasone Eye Drops
To make sure this is the right treatment for you before you begin utilizing the eye drops it is essential that your medical professional know:
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops or other medicine.
- If you believe you may have an eye infection.
- If you have harmed corneas.
- If you wear soft contact lenses.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you are taking any other medicines. This consists of any medication you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, along with organic and complementary medicines.
How to Use Dexamethasone Eye Drops
- Wash your hands well before you use the drops.
- Remove the cap (or twist off the suggestion of the system if you are using a single-use unit).
- Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
- Hold the bottle (or single-use unit) upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
- Apply enough pressure to launch one drop into your eye. Just use the 2nd drop if the first drop missed entering into your eye.
- Close your eye for a minute or two and press carefully on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye fulfills your nose. This helps to stop the drop from receding and keeps it in your eye.
- Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been informed to use the drops in both eyes. (The contents of one single-use unit suffice for both eyes.).
- Replace the cap (or if you are utilizing the single-use system, throw it away).
Getting the Most From Your Treatment
- Before you utilize the eye drops, check out the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from the pack. It will provide you more info about the eye drops and will offer you with a complete list of the side-effects which you may experience from using them.
- Use the eye drops precisely as your medical professional informs you to. It is usual to apply the drops regularly during the first two days until your symptoms are controlled – typically every 30-60 minutes while you are awake. When your eye starts to feel better, lower the frequency of using the drops to 4-6 times a day.
- Dexamethasone eye drops are just meant to be used for a brief period. Do not use them for longer than one week unless your physician recommends you otherwise. This is because they can cause issues within your eye when used for longer than recommended.
- Take care not to touch the suggestion of the dropper with your eye, fingers or any other surface. This will assist to prevent the risk of infection.
- When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear but make sure you can see effectively before you drive and before you use tools or devices, as otherwise, you might put yourself and others at threat.
- If you are utilizing any other eye drops or lotions, leave about 10 minutes between applying each one. This is to prevent more liquid from entering into your eye than it can manage. Otherwise, the drops will overflow from your eye and may not have the intended effect.
- If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they worsen, speak once again with your doctor.
- If you generally use contact lenses, do not wear them once again until your physician advises you do so. There are two factors for this – you need not use lenses while your eyes are inflamed, and bottles of eye drops include a preservative which can affect some soft contact lenses.
Overdose
This medication might be damaging if swallowed. If somebody has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as losing consciousness or difficulty breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison nerve center right now. United States locals can call their local poison nerve center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada locals can call a provincial poison nerve center.
Side Effects of Dexamethasone Eye Drops
Along with their significant effects, eye drops can trigger undesirable side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below consists of the most common ones associated with dexamethasone eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s info brochure provided with your drops. Unwanted effects frequently enhance as your body adapts to a new medicine but speak with your physician or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
| Dexamethasone eye drops side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Mild discomfort or irritation | This should quickly pass. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor |
| Blurred vision | This usually disappears within a few minutes. Do not drive and do not use tools unless you can see clearly |
| Dry eyes, sensitivity to light | Wearing sunglasses may help |
Sometimes individuals can be allergic to eye drops, particularly if the eye drops consist of a preservative. If you observe a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or itching, stop utilizing the drops and call a physician for guidance. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more guidance.
How to Store Dexamethasone Eye Drops
- Keep all medications out of the reach and sight of kids.
- Shop in a cool, dry place, far from direct heat and light.
- Eye drops keep for four weeks when the bottle has been opened to get rid of the bottle after this time, even if there is some service left. This will help to avoid the threat of eye infections.
- Single-use units should be used as quickly as the unit is opened. Do not keep opened units to re-use at a later time.
Cost of Dexamethasone Eye Drops
The expense for dexamethasone ophthalmic solution 0.1% is around $23 for a supply of 5 milliliters, depending upon the pharmacy you visit.