Dexamethasone (ophthalmic)

Dexamethasone (ophthalmic) is a steroid medicine that helps treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or some other conditions.

Dexamethasone (ophthalmic) may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use dexamethasone if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

You should not use dexamethasone if you are allergic to it, or if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma; or
• cataracts.

Using dexamethasone (ophthalmic) for a long time may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Dexamethasone (ophthalmic) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexamethasone may lead to serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision;
• eye pain; or
• seeing halos around lights.

Common side effects of dexamethasone may include:

• eye irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

If you use dexamethasone for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of dexamethasone (ophthalmic) is not likely to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not share dexamethasone (ophthalmic) with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be influenced by other drugs you take. However, many drugs can interact with one another. Inform all of your healthcare providers about every medicine you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.