Smart Doctor

🩺

Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic)

Indications

Dexamethasone ophthalmic solution or ointment is indicated for the treatment of

Allergic non-infectious blepharitis and conjunctivitis
Non-infectious keratitis, punctate keratitis, disciform keratitis (provided the corneal surface is intact)
Inflammation of the anterior uvea (iritis, iridocyclitis )
Scleritis, episcleritis and myositis
Post-operative management of cataract, strabismus & other ocular surgeries.

* রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Pharmacology

Dexamethasone is a cortisone derivative whose high activity due to the presence of methyl group in the 16-alpha position and of a fluorine atom in the 9-alpha position. The result is that its anti-inflammatory activity is 30 times greater and its overall therapeutic effectiveness 8-10 times greater than that of hydrocortisone. Like other glucocorticoids, it is anti-allergic, anti-exudative and anti-proliferative. Therapeutic concentrations of Dexamethasone are found in both the cornea and aqueous humor 15-30 minutes after local application of single drop of 0.1% solution. These concentrations persist for 4-6 hours. The action of Dexamethasone is to inhibit the phospholipase A2, the first step in prostaglandin synthesis. Also, Dexamethasone inhibits the chemotactic infiltration of neutrophils into the site of inflammation.

Dosage & Administration

Dexamethasone ophthalmic solution: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 3-5 times per day. Acute cases: up to 1 drop every hour if necessary.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount into the conjunctival sac 3-4 times per day. Slowly close your eyes without blinking. Keep your eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Minimize the dose when desired improvement is observed.

Interaction

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Dexamethasone.

Contraindications

Injuries and ulcerating processes of the cornea, particularly those of bacterial or viral origin (herpes simplex, vaccinia), purulent infections of the conjunctiva and eyelids, tuberculosis, mycosis, glaucoma.

Side Effects

In predisposed patients, application of corticosteroids for a period of several weeks may cause a reversible rise in intraocular pressure. Pressure measurements at regular intervals are therefore essential.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Animal experiments with dexamethasone have shown adverse effect on the fetus. However, no control human studies are available. Dexamethasone ophthalmic preparation should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

Corticosteroids may mask, activate or aggravate an infection of the eye. If no improvement is seen after a few days application, other form of treatment should be used. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminated the ophthalmic solution or ointment.

Storage Conditions