Drug Class Description
Corticosteroids (steroids) / lubricants.

Generic Name
Dexamethasone , hypromellose

Drug Description
Dexamethasone 0.1% w/v

Presentation
Eye drops, suspension.

Indications
Indicated for treatment of steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the eye such as: anterior uveitis, iritis, cyclitis, allergic and vernal conjunctivitis, herpes zoster keratitis, superficial punctate keratitis and non-specific superficial keratitis.Also indicated for the treatment of corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns or following penetration by foreign bodies. Indicated for post-operative use to reduce inflammatory reactions and suppress graft reaction.

Adult Dosage
The frequency of instillation of drops and the duration of treatment will vary depending upon the severity of the underlying condition and the response to treatment.Severe inflammations require one to two drops instilled into the eye every thirty to sixty minutes until a satisfactory response occurs.Subconjunctival or systemic steroid therapy should be considered if there is no response. When a favourable response has been observed reduce the dosage towards one drop every four hours.

Contra Indications
Herpes simplex and other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, fungal disease, ocular tuberculosis, untreated purulent infections and hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation. Patients with soft contact lenses should not use this preparation.

Special Precautions
Topical corticosteroids should never be given for an undiagnosed red eye as inappropriate use is potentially blinding.Because of the risk of "steroid glaucoma" and cataract formation the intraocular pressure and the lens must be checked frequently during use of this preparation.To avoid the risk of enhancement of herpetic corneal disease, frequent slit-lamp examination is essential.Topical steroids may mask or enhance the activity of acute purulent eye infections. In such cases antibiotic therapy is mandatory.Persistent corneal ulceration following long-term topical steroid use may be due to fungal invasion.Topical corticosteroids are not effective in mustard gas keratitis or Sjogren's keratoconjunctivitis.

Interactions
None relevant to topical use.

Adverse Reactions
Topical steroid use may result in increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage, reduced visual acuity and visual field defects.Intensive or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may lead to the formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforation of the globe may occur. Viral and fungal infections may be exacerbated by steroids. Transient stinging or burning may occur on instillation of the drops. Systemic side effects may occur with extensive use.

Manufacturer
Alcon Laboratories (U.K) Limited

Drug Availability
(POM)

Updated
02 June 2009