Dexamethasone Sodium, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: corticosteroid

Generic and brand names: dexamethasone sodium phosphate, ophthalmic; Maxidex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the eyes to treat inflammation. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

It comes as eyedrops or an ointment.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• cataracts, glaucoma, or an eye infection

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use it more often or longer than prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.

Wash your hands thoroughly before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch.

To use eyedrops, shake the bottle before you use the medicine. Look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper or tube touch your eye or any other surface. Replace the cap tightly. Do not use eyedrops that have become discolored.

If you have ointment, hold the tube in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you use the tube for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Look up, and squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon into the pouch. After applying the ointment, close your eyes and roll them in all directions to spread the ointment around. Do not rub your eyes.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

You need to have regular eye exams while taking this medicine. If you use this medicine for a long time, it may be absorbed into your body. You may develop glaucoma, optic nerve damage, or vision changes. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can wear them while using this medicine. The preservative in this medicine may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after putting the medicine in your eyes before you put in your contact lenses.

Your vision will be blurred for a little while after using the ointment. Avoid activities that require good vision until you can see clearly.

If you need any surgery or emergency treatment, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eye, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

Do not use other products in your eyes while you are using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Eye pain or swelling; blurred vision that continues; headache; drooping eyelids; crusty or sticky discharge from the eye; large pupils.

Other: Stinging, burning, or watering eyes; feeling like something is in the eye; change in sense of taste.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure that your healthcare provider knows about any other products you are using in your eyes.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.