Drugs & Vitamins

Decadron Ophthalmic Active Ingredients: Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Representative Names: Decadron Ophthalmic, Maxidex Available Product Images: What is dexamethasone eye ointment, solution or suspension? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone? What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone? What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone? Where can I keep my medicine? What is dexamethasone eye ointment, solution or suspension? (Back to top) DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®, Maxidex®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats allergic and inflammatory conditions of eye that are responsive to corticosteroid therapy. Generic dexamethasone eye products are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •cataracts •contact lens wearer •diabetes •glaucoma •infection; fungal, viral, tubercular or other bacterial •an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Dexamethasone is for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. •For eye solution or suspension: Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye. •For eye ointment: Tilt your head back slightly, and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a strip of the ointment (about 1/3-inch long) into the pouch and close your eye. Do not touch the eye or eyelid with the tip of the tube. Do not blink, and close the eye for a few moments to allow the medicine to be in contact with the eye. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with dexamethasone? (Back to top) •atropine •eye preparations for glaucoma Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using dexamethasone? (Back to top) If dexamethasone is used for long periods of time other serious side effects may develop. Report any other unusual effects to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •eye pain, decreased or blurred vision •infection •nausea, vomiting •watery eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning, redness or stinging in the eye •temporary watering or blurring of vision What should I watch for while taking dexamethasone? (Back to top) Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved after 5 days, or if it gets worse. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before using dexamethasone for any future eye problems. If you are a contact lens wearer, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use dexamethasone when you can use your lenses again . Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:04/26/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.