How does it work?

Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines, known as corticosteroids, used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation occurs as a result of allergy or irritation and is caused by the release of substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. Corticosteroids work by acting within cells to decrease the release of these substances in a particular area, thereby reducing swelling, redness and itch. Dexamethasone in this preparation is applied directly to the eye in the form of drops, to reduce inflammation following eye surgery or injury and in inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis.

What is it used for?

• Inflammation of the eye following surgery
• Inflammatory conditions of the eye, eg conjunctivitis
• Injury to the front of the eye (cornea) due to chemical, radiation or heat burns, or from penetration by a foreign object
• Preventing rejection of grafts in the eye

Warning!

• It is recommended that you receive regular eye examinations while you taking this medicine, as it can sometimes cause eye problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any disturbances in your vision while taking this medicine.
• This product may cause temporary blurring of vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.
• Intensive or prolonged application of corticosteroids to the eye may lead to an increase in the pressure inside the eye, glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve or the formation of cataracts.
• This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.
• Each container of this medicine should discarded four weeks after the first opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.
• This medicine should not be used to treat a red eye not diagnosed by a doctor, as inappropriate use can cause blindness.

Not to be used in

• Eye conditions producing pus
• Fungal infections of the eye
• Soft contact lens wearers
• Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye
• Viral infections of the eye

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine in breastfeeding and pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Partial loss of vision due to opacity in the lens of the eye (cataracts)
• Stinging on application
• Increased pressure within the eye
• Sensitivity to bright light

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions reported with this medicine when applied to the eye.