Maxidex

Dexamethasone

Treatment of corticosteroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral & bulbar conjunctiva, cornea & anterior segment of the globe eg, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis as a consequence of acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, corneal injuries from chemical products, radiation, burns or foreign bodies, when the inherent hazard of corticosteroid use is accepted to obtain a perceptible diminution in oedema & inflammation.

Ophth oint Apply small amount of oint (1-1.5 cm) into the conjunctival sac up 1-4 times daily. When favourable response is observed, gradually reduce to once daily for several days. Ophth susp 1-2 drops in the conjunctival sac. In severe inflammation, instillations may be made hrly & subsequently at longer intervals until treatment discontinuation. In mild inflammation, administer 4-6 times daily.

Hypersensitivity. Acute epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis); vaccinia, varicella & other viral infection of the cornea & the conjunctiva (except herpes zoster keratitis); fungal diseases of ocular structures or untreated parasitic eye infections; mycobacterial ocular infections; acute, untreated purulent bacterial infections of the eye; infections or injuries limited to the superficial corneal epithelium. Should not be used following an uncomplicated removal of a foreign body from the cornea.

Not for inj or ingestion. To be prescribed & renewed only after exam by slitlamp biomicroscopy & fluorescein test. Not for treatment of Sjogren's keratoconjunctivitis. Increased risk of ocular complications & systemic side effects w/ excessive &/or prolonged use. Ocular HTN &/or glaucoma w/ damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity & field of vision, & posterior subcapsular cataract formation upon prolonged use. If used for ≥10 days, routinely monitor IOP. Increased risk of corticosteroid-induced raised IOP &/or cataract formation in predisposed patients (eg, DM). Reports of visual disturbance. Risk of Cushing's syndrome &/or adrenal suppression associated w/ systemic absorption of ocular dexamethasone after intensive or long-term continuous therapy in predisposed patients. May reduce resistance to & aid in the establishment of bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections & mask the clinical signs of infection. Consider possibility of fungal infection in patients w/ persistent corneal ulceration who have been or are receiving Maxidex. Use w/ great caution in the treatment of herpes simplex. Only use in conjunction w/ antiviral therapy in the treatment of stromal keratitis or uveitis caused by herpes simplex; periodic slit-lamp microscopy is essential. May slow corneal wound healing. Perforations in diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera. Flare-up of the inflammatory condition may occur w/ sudden interruption of highly dosed corticosteroids. Do not instill while wearing contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before instillation & wait at least 15 min before reinsertion. If using >1 eye prep administer at least 5 min apart. Eye oint should be administered last. Safety & efficacy have not been established in patients w/ hepatic or renal impairment. May affect ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue Maxidex therapy during lactation. Not approved for use in paed patients. Ophth susp Contains benzalkonium Cl & phosphates.

Oint: Increased IOP. Rarely, eye irritation, visual acuity reduced, subcapsular cataract, glaucoma, visual field defects, hypersensitivity, eye infection. Susp: Ocular discomfort.

Increased potential for corneal healing problems w/ topical NSAIDs. Increased plasma conc w/ ritonavir or other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Additional elevation of IOP w/ pupil-dilating eye drops (atropine & other anticholinergic substances).

Eye Corticosteroids

S01BA01 - dexamethasone ; Belongs to the class of corticosteroids. Used in the treatment of inflammation of the eye.

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