Generic name: Dexamethasone Eye Drops (Suspension) [ deks-a-METH-a-sone ]
Brand name: Maxidex
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2024.

Uses of Dexamethasone Eye Drops:

• It is used to treat eye swelling.
• It is used to treat eye irritation.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

• If you have an allergy to dexamethasone or any other part of this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops); any part of this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: A fungal, TB (tuberculosis), or viral infection of the eye.
• If you have any kind of eye infection.
• If you have glaucoma.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
• If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Long-term use may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your eye pressure checked if you are on this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.

How is this medicine (Dexamethasone Eye Drops) best taken?

Use this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Take out contact lenses before using this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops). Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Shake well before use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, diclofenac ophthalmic, cetirizine ophthalmic, triamcinolone ophthalmic, triamcinolone, dexamethasone ophthalmic, ceftriaxone, ketorolac ophthalmic, azelastine ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

What are some other side effects of Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops) is used.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (dexamethasone eye drops), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer