About dexamethasone
Ophthalmic corticosteroid
Used for
- Treats inflammation of the eye when corticosteroids are appropriate.
- May be used after eye surgery to reduce inflammation.
Usual adult dose
Usually 1–2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4–6 hours; severe inflammation may require more frequent dosing initially, then gradual reduction.
Usual dose in children
Usually the same as adults when prescribed; safety and dosing depend on age and condition.
Common side effects
- Temporary eye irritation or blurred vision
- Increased eye pressure, especially with prolonged use
- Delayed healing or secondary eye infection
- Rare allergic reaction
Important warnings
- Use only for the prescribed eye condition; it can worsen some infections, including herpes or fungal infections.
- Prolonged use may cause glaucoma, cataracts, or delayed healing; eye-pressure monitoring may be needed.
- Remove contact lenses before use; preservative may irritate lenses.
- Seek urgent assessment for severe eye pain, vision changes, or worsening symptoms.
Pregnancy
Eye drops usually lead to low systemic exposure, but use during pregnancy should be limited to cases where clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
Low exposure is expected from eye drops; pressing the inner eye corner after dosing can reduce absorption.
Interactions
- Other eye drops may need to be separated by at least 5 minutes.
- Concurrent eye medicines that raise pressure may increase glaucoma risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.