Dexamethasone eye drops

About dexamethasone eye drops

Dexamethasone eye drops work by preventing or reducing redness, swelling and soreness in your eye.

Before using dexamethasone eye drops

Before using dexamethasone eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have an infection in your eye caused by a virus, fungi or bacteria.
• If you wear contact lenses.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use dexamethasone eye drops

• Wash your hands well before use.
• Remove the outer cap (or the tip of the vial if using single dose vial) .
• Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
• 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.
• Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
• Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
• Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use dexamethasone in both eyes.
• Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers.
• If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application.
• Wash your hands.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to use dexamethasone eye drops at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose do not worry - just use the next dose when it is due. Do not use two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Important: The bottled product (not the single dose vials) contains a preservative which is known to discolour soft contact lenses and may cause eye irritation. Therefore you must not wear soft contact lenses whilst using this product.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using and taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. As there is a risk of eye disease your eyes may be checked frequently by your doctor while you are using this medicine.
• Do not stop using this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can dexamethasone eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store dexamethasone eye drops

• Once the bottle has been opened then dexamethasone must be discarded one month after first opening. The single use vials must be discarded after each use.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines