Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution is used for inflammatory conditions of the eye. The dose is dependent on the condition and the severity of the condition.
Successfully treats inflammation due to infections, injury, and surgery
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Reduces swelling associated with bacterial infections
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Available as a dropper bottle
How it works:
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid which is used to treat inflammation.
Cautions:
Before using Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using other eye drops or eye medications. If your pet has swelling of the face, itching, or appears to have difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface including eyes or hands.
More Information:
Brand Name AK-Dex (Akorn), Maxidex (Alcon)
Generic Name Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution
What is the most important information I should know about Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution: Not all forms of dexamethasone are FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution in dogs and cats. Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription medication available as 0.1% sterile eye drops. Do not stop using this medication suddenly especially if it has been used for several weeks or more. The dose may need to be reduced over several days to prevent side effects. Contact your veterinarian if the pet's symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement to the pet's condition after a few days. Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including eyes and hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
What is Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution: Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution is in a class called corticosteroids. It is used to inhibit inflammation and, therefore, swelling and pain from inflammation is lessened. Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution is used to treat eye inflammation caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions. Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution in my pet: Do not use Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution if the pet has a bacterial, viral or fungal infection without also using proper anti-infective treatment. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be used: Use this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Wash your hands prior to using the eye drops. Shake the bottle gently to be sure the medication is properly mixed. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss applying a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: An overdose of this medication is unlikely. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. If the drops are ingested, contact a veterinary emergency center for advice.
What should I avoid while applying Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution to my pet: Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface including eyes or hands. This medication may cause blurred vision.
What are the possible side effects of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution: Serious side effects are not expected. Rarely, pressure increase inside the eye, formation of cataracts or a perforation of the cornea may occur. Other, more common side effects may also occur such as burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect dexamethasone ophthalmic: Before using Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using other eye drops or eye medications. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is being given oral steroid medications such as prednisone, Methylprednisolone or others. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution. Talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription product used for inflammatory conditions of the eye.
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Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
•
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution is a corticosteroid used to inhibit inflammation and, therefore, reduce swelling and pain caused by the inflammation.
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Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution is used to treat eye inflammation caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions.
Tip: Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including eyes and hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection of the eye.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Shake the bottle gently to be sure the medication is properly mixed. Place drops in the eye as directed by your veterinarian. Do not use an eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Solution:
Active Ingredients
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
Other Ingredients: Sodium Citrate, Sodium Borate, Creatine, Polysorbate 80, Edetate Disodium Dihydrate, Purified Water. Hydrochloric Acid may be added to adjust pH. Preservatives Added: Sodium Bisulfate 0.1%, Phenylethyl Alcohol 0.25%, and Benzalkonium Chloride 0.02
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.