Drugs & Vitamins

Decadron Ear Solution Active Ingredients: Dexamethasone Ear Solution Representative Names: Decadron Ear Solution What is dexamethasone ear solution? 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 ear solution? (Back to top) DEXAMETHASONE (Decadron®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone treats inflammatory conditions of the outer ear. Generic dexamethasone ear solution is not yet 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: •history of middle ear infections •infection; fungal, viral, tubercular or other bacterial •perforated ear drum •an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Dexamethasone ear solution is for use in the ear only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Lie on your side or tilt head so that ear is up. Pull the earlobe up and back (adults), or down and back (children), and drop in the prescribed number of drops (usually 4—5 drops); avoid touching the ear with the dropper tip. Keep head tilted for about 5 minutes or insert a soft cotton gauze 'wick' in the ear to prevent the medication from running out. Replace the cotton at least once a day. Do not use more often than directed. 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) It is unlikely that when dexamethasone is used in the ear it will interact with medicines taken by mouth. However, 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 usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning or stinging in the ear 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 2 or 3 days. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before using dexamethasone for any future ear problems. 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:08/12/2005 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.