Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Applies to dexamethasone ophthalmic: ophthalmic insert extended release, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

Other dosage forms:

• intraocular implant, intraocular suspension

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dexamethasone ophthalmic:

More common

• blurred vision
• decreased vision or other changes in vision
• eye pain or redness
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• throbbing pain of the eye

Less common

• loss of vision
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• swelling of the eye

Rare

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• delayed eye wound healing
• difficulty seeing at night
• discharge, excessive tearing
• eye irritation
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Incidence not known

• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• drooping of the upper eyelids
• fast heartbeat
• skin itching, rash, or redness
• swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

Other side effects

Some side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• headache

Rare

• crusting in the corner of the eye
• feeling of having something in the eye

Incidence not known

• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils
• dizziness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dexamethasone ophthalmic: intraocular implant, intraocular suspension, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were cataract, elevation of intraocular pressure, and conjunctival hemorrhage.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataract (up to 68%), elevation of intraocular pressure (28%), conjunctival hemorrhage (22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Eye pain, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular hypertension, reduced visual acuity, conjunctivitis, vitreous floaters, conjunctival edema, dry eye, vitreous detachment, vitreous opacities, retinal aneurysm, foreign body sensation, corneal erosion, keratitis, anterior chamber inflammation, retinal tear, eyelid ptosis, vitreous detachment, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal staining, photophobia, blurred vision, eye pruritus, increased lacrimation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Burning, stinging
• Frequency not reported: Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and visual field defects, subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection and perforation of the globe

Postmarketing experience: Complication of device insertion (implant misplacement), device dislocation with or without corneal edema, endophthalmitis, hypotony of the eye (associated with vitreous leakage due to injection), retinal detachment^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (13%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, migraine
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression

Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur at doses higher than recommended in predisposed patients including children and those on CYP P450 3A4 inhibitors.

Further information

Dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer