Ocu-Dex (Ophthalmic)

Generic name:dexamethasone (ophthalmic route) [ dex-a-METH-a-sone ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Dextenza
• Maxidex
• Ocu-Dex

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Insert, Extended Release
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Uses for Ocu-Dex

Dexamethasone eye drops are used to treat inflammation of the eyes caused by allergies and certain conditions, including damage caused by chemical and thermal burns.

Dexamethasone eye insert is used to treat eye pain and swelling after eye surgery. It is also used to treat itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis.

Dexamethasone belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids (steroids or cortisone-like medicines) that is used to relieve the redness, itching, and swelling caused by eye infections and other conditions or procedures (eg, eye surgery).

Dextenza® is to be given only by your doctor. Maxidex® is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Ocu-Dex

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of dexamethasone eye insert in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexamethasone eye drops in children. Safety and efficacy have been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexamethasone eye drops or eye insert in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions ma...