Generic name: dexamethasone (intraocular) [ DEX-a-METH-a-sone ]
Brand names: Dextenza, Dexycu, Ozurdex
Dosage forms: intraocular implant (0.7 mg), intraocular suspension (9%), ophthalmic insert (0.4 mg)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dexamethasone intraocular?

Dexamethasone intraocular (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine used to treat or prevent eye inflammation caused by disease, injury, eye surgery, or blocked blood vessels.

Dexycu or Ozurdex is a liquid that is injected into the eye.

Dextenza is also used to treat eye itching caused by allergies. Dextenza is an insert that is placed into the tear duct in the lower eyelid.

Dexamethasone intraocular may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dexamethasone intraocular 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.

Dexamethasone may cause serious side effects. 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;

• eyebrow pain;

• 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.

Repeat treatments with Ozurdex may cause you to develop cataracts, which can affect your vision and may require surgical treatment. Your doctor will determine how often to treat you with dexamethasone.

Common side effects of dexamethasone may include:

• vision problems;

• seeing "floaters" in your vision;

• eye pain or redness;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• eyelid swelling;

• dry eyes;

• headache; or

• your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

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

Warnings

You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you have an eye infection, advanced glaucoma, or a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you are allergic to dexamethasone, or if you have:

• an infection in or around your eye;

• glaucoma; or

• a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.

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

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 dexamethasone intraocular given?

Dextenza, Dexycu, and Ozurdex will be given into your eye by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting. The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Dexamethasone intraocular does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid after receiving dexamethasone intraocular?

dexamethasone may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you are able to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect dexamethasone intraocular?

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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