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Brand Names: AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex

Generic Name: dexamethasone (ophthalmic) (Pronunciation: DEX a METH a sone off THAL mik)

• What is dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What are the possible side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• Who should not use dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• How should I use dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What happens if I overdose (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What should I avoid while using dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• What other drugs will affect dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation. Therefore, the swelling and pain of inflammatory conditions is decreased.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat eye inflammation caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication. Rarely, an increase in the pressure inside of the eye, formation of cataracts, or a perforation of the cornea has been reported. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects.

More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may occur.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about dexamethasone ophthalmic (AK-Dex, Ocu-Dex)?

Do not stop using this medication suddenly if you have been using it for several weeks or more. Before stopping, you may need to reduce the dose over several days to prevent side effects.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.

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