Dexamethasone

Indications & Dose:

Local treatment of inflammation (short-term)

• TO THE EYE USING EYE DROP

Child: Apply 4–6 times a day

Adult: Apply every 30–60 minutes until controlled, then reduced to 4–6 times a day Short term local treatment of inflammation (severe conditions)

• TO THE EYE USING EYE DROP

Child: Apply every 30–60 minutes until controlled, reduce frequency when control achieved

Macular oedema following either branch retinal vein occlusion or central retinal vein occlusion (specialist use only) | Visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema in adults who are pseudophakic, or who are insufficiently responsive to, or unsuitable for noncorticosteroid therapy (specialist use only) | For the treatment of inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye presenting as noninfectious uveitis (specialist use only)

• BY INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

Adult: 700 micrograms, to be administered into the affected eye, concurrent administration to both eyes not recommended. For further information on pretreatment, administration and repeat dosing, consult product literature

Contraindications:

With intravitreal use Active ocular herpes simplex . active or suspected ocular infection . active or suspected periocular infection . rupture of the posterior lens capsule in patients with aphakia, iris or transscleral fixated intra-ocular lens or anterior chamber intra-ocular lens . uncontrolled advanced glaucoma

Side Effects:

Uncommon  With intravitreal use Eyelid pruritus . glaucoma . migraine . necrotising retinitis Frequency not known When used by eye Corneal thinning . scleral thinning With intravitreal use Blepharitis . cataract . headache . ocular hypertension . raised intra-ocular pressure . secondary ocular infection . visual disturbance

PREGNANCY Dexamethasone readily crosses the placenta. With intravitreal use Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk—no information available. 

Cautions:

With intravitreal use History of ocular viral infection (including herpes simplex) . posterior capsule tear or iris defect (risk of implant migration into the anterior chamber which may cause corneal oedema and, in persistent severe cases, the need for corneal transplantation) . retinal vein occlusion with significant retinal ischaemia 

Precautions:

Interaction:

With intravitreal use Caution with concomitant administration of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs— increased risk of haemorrhagic events

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: