Generic name: dexamethasone
Dosage form: ophthalmic insert
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on May 2, 2024.

What is Dextenza?

Dextenza is an insert that is placed into the tear duct in the lower eyelid.

The insert contains dexamethasone which is a corticosteroid medicine that used to treat or prevent eye inflammation.

The Dextenza insert releases dexamethasone into the eye for up to 30 days.

What is Dextenza used for?

Dextenza is used to treat eye inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery.

Dextenza is also used to treat eye itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Warnings

You should not be treated with Dextenza if you:

• are allergic to dexamethasone, or 
• have an infection in or around your eye.

Dexamethasone can worsen or reactivate an eye infection you already have or have recently had (including herpes infection of the eyes).

Before using this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• a detached retina;
• cataracts (unless you are receiving this medicine as part of cataract surgery); or
• herpes infection of the eyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Dextenza given?

Dextenza will be inserted into your eyelid by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting.

The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before inserting the implant.

After this medicine has been given, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.

You may need medication or other treatments to keep the increased pressure in your eye from getting too high. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation

0.4 mg

- Comment: Dextenza ophthalmic insert is inserted in the lower lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. A single dose releases a 0.4 mg dose of dexamethasone for up to 30 days following insertion following insertion.

- Use: treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery .

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis

0.4 mg

- Comment: Dextenza ophthalmic insert is inserted in the lower lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. A single dose releases a 0.4 mg dose of dexamethasone for up to 30 days following insertion following insertion.

- Use: treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Dextenza does not have a regular dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since the Dextenza implant contains a specific amount of the medicine, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

What should I avoid after receiving Dextenza?

You may experience blurred vision after receiving Dextenza. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you are able to see clearly.

Dextenza side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain, redness, or itching;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• cloudy or hazy vision;
• changes in the shape of your pupil;
• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or
• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects may include:

• vision problems;
• eye pain or redness;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• eyelid swelling; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect Dextenza?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the advantages of using the Dextenza ophthalmic insert after eye surgery?

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer