Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid which decreases inflammation by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It suppresses normal immune response.

Eye: Dexamethasone Phosphate is 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.

Ear: Indicated in the steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the external auditory meatus, such as allergic otitis externa, selected purulent and non-purulent infective otitis externa.

Eye:

• As 0.1% drop: 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.
• As 0.05% ointment: Apply 0.5-1 inch ribbon of ointment into the conjunctival sac(s) up to 4 times daily. Reduce to once daily dosing once conditon has improved.

Ear: Instill two or three drops to the ear at two or three hour interval. The frequency of dosage and duration of the treatment may vary with the type of lesion and severity.

Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), acute infections stages of vaccinia, varicella, and many other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, Mycobacterial infection of the eye, Fungal diseases of ocular or auricular structures, perforation of a drum membrane. Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of this product.

Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection from pathogens including herpes simplex, perforation of the globe. Rarely, stinging and burning may occur.

Overdose Effects

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects. Oral ingestion of the contents of the bottle (up to 10 ml) is unlikely to lead to any serious adverse effects.

The possibility of persistent fungal infections of the cornea should be considered after prolonged corticosteroid dosing. There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface.

Use in Special Populations

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category C. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Caution should be exercised when Dexamethasone ophthalmic solution is administered to a nursing woman