Dexamethasone eye drops

About Dexamethasone eye drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-inflammatory eye preparations.

Dexamethasone drops are used to treat short-term inflammatory conditions of the eye, providing relief from inflammation, redness, irritation, allergies and other conditions.

Dexamethasone may also contain hypromellose (artificial tears) to soothe the eyes.

Dexamethasone is available in drop form. It is also available in the form of single dose vials.

It is also sometimes known as: Maxidex. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Dexamethasone eye drops

Before using dexamethasone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Dexamethasone eye drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with dexamethasone.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the vial (if using unit dose vial)
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use dexamethasone in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers.
10. If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use dexamethasone eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with dexamethasone eye drops.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not use dexamethasone eye drops more often, or for a longer period than your doctor had directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading to other people.
• Dexamethasone eye drops are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Dexamethasone eye drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any dexamethasone eye drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Dexamethasone eye drops cause problems?

Dexamethasone eye drops may sometimes cause a mild burning or stinging sensation when first put into the eye. If this becomes too troublesome or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store Dexamethasone eye drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard these eye drops four weeks after opening.
• Discard the single dose vials after each application.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 09/07/2003