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Overview: Dexamethasone ophthalmic is a steroid eye drop used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the eye or ear. Common side effects include stinging or burning. Only use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes or your condition is getting worse while using this medicine.

Uses

What is dexamethasone ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is commonly used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the eye caused by various conditions that may include the following. 

  • Certain types of eye infections or injuries
  • Certain types of keratitis or iritis
  • Symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) caused by seasonal allergies

Some dexamethasone ophthalmic products may also be used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the ear.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does dexamethasone ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is a steroid eye medicine. It works by calming the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is dexamethasone ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Decadron
  • Maxidex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% ophthalmic solution (drops for use in the eye or ear)
  • 0.1% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

Other forms of dexamethasone are available for use by mouth or injection. See Dexamethasone for more information. 

How should I store dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Dexamethasone ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Some products may be able to be stored down to temperatures as cold as 46 F (8 C) or up to temperatures as warm as 80 F (27 C). Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your dexamethasone ophthalmic.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic are listed below. Side effects can vary based on the specific product you are using. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stinging or burning
  • Eye discomfort or irritation
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye dryness, watering, itching, or redness
  • Feeling like something is in your eye

There may be other side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using dexamethasone ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections and Delayed Healing. Using dexamethasone ophthalmic for a long period of time can lead to eye infections, including fungal infections in some cases. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may also hide or worsen an active infection, slow healing, or lead to a hole (perforation) in part of the eye. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes, or if your eye condition is not improving. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of an eye infection.

  • Eye itchiness or redness
  • Eye discharge or pus
  • Worsening inflammation or irritation
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Glaucoma. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Do not use dexamethasone ophthalmic for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Cataract. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause cloudiness in your eye, which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Severe Eye Problems. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause eye problems, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) and thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are getting worse or not improving.

  • Eye itchiness, redness, or pain
  • Swollen or itchy eyelids
  • An abnormal feeling in your eye
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dexamethasone ophthalmic.

  • Dexamethasone
  • Decadron
  • Maxidex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dexamethasone ophthalmic products they stock.

Sulfite Allergy. Some dexamethasone ophthalmic products contain sulfites. You should not use a dexamethasone ophthalmic product that has sulfites in it if you are allergic to sulfites. Your pharmacist can tell you if there are sulfites in your medicine.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use dexamethasone ophthalmic, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye or ear
  • An active, untreated bacterial eye infection

Ruptured Eardrum. Dexamethasone ophthalmic should not be used in the ear if your eardrum is ruptured (has a tear or hole in it). Your healthcare provider will check your ears before prescribing this medicine to make sure your eardrums are intact.

What should I know about dexamethasone ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use dexamethasone ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. If you have trouble getting the drops in your eye, talk to your healthcare provider.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your dexamethasone ophthalmic product properly. Some dexamethasone ophthalmic products may need to be shaken well before using them. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 

Do not share dexamethasone ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dexamethasone ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Infections may occur if the dexamethasone ophthalmic bottle gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the bottle tip touch your eye, ear, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening eye problems, such as an infection, injury, or changes in your vision.

Do not use dexamethasone ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. Ask your healthcare provider about when it is okay for you to wear them, as this may depend on your eye condition and the specific dexamethasone ophthalmic product you are using.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dexamethasone ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or white of your eye
  • An infection

Planned Eye Surgery. Using dexamethasone ophthalmic may raise the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dexamethasone ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Dexamethasone ophthalmic may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use dexamethasone ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does dexamethasone ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dexamethasone ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dexamethasone ophthalmic.

Does dexamethasone ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between dexamethasone ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dexamethasone ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much dexamethasone ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dexamethasone ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.