Corticosteroid (Ophthalmic)
Class Name: corticosteroid (Ophthalmic route)
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- AK-Pred
- Alrex
- Dextenza
- Durezol
- Econopred Plus
- Flarex
- FML Forte Liquifilm
- FML Liquifilm
- FML S.O.P.
- HMS
- Inflamase
- Inveltys
- Lotemax
- Omnipred
- Pred Forte
- Pred Mild
- Prednisol
- Vexol
In Canada
- Ak-Dex
- Ak-Tate
- Decadron
- Fml Forte
- Fml Liquifilm
- Inflamase Forte
- Inflamase Mild
- Maxidex
- Ophtho-Tate
- Pms-Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
- Pms-Fluorometholone
Available Dosage Forms:
- Suspension
- Insert, Extended Release
- Solution
- Ointment
- Emulsion
- Gel/Jelly
Uses for this Medicine
Ophthalmic corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) are used to prevent permanent damage to the eye, which may occur with certain eye problems. They also provide relief from redness, irritation, and other discomfort.
Corticosteroids for use in the eye are available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using this Medicine
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group 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
Children less than 2 years of age may be especially sensitive to the effects of ophthalmic corticosteroids. This may increase the chance of side effects. If this medicine has been ordered for a young child, you should discuss its use with your child's doctor. Be sure you follow all of the doctor's instructions very carefully.
Geriatric
Although there is no specific information about the use of ophthalmic corticosteroids in the elderly, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.
Pregnancy
Although studies on birth defects with ophthalmic corticosteroids have not been done in humans, these medicines have not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems. However, in animal studies, dexamethasone, fluorometholone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone caused birth defects when applied to the eyes of pregnant animals. Also, fluorometholone and medrysone caused other unwanted effects in the animal fetus.
Breast Feeding
Ophthalmic corticosteroids have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
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 may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
