Ophthalmic drug - a corticosteroid substance, similar in action to hormones. Best of all, Dexamethasone eye drops help with inflammation of the membranes of the eye, allergic conjunctivitis. The drug is often prescribed for hay fever or hay fever.

The composition of the drug

Fluorinated prednisolone in the composition of eye drops Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid agent (GCS). The active substance is in the form of sodium phosphate, its concentration is 0.1%. Different manufacturers also use polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, and other auxiliary compounds.

1 ml of suspension = 23 drops, each of them contains 0.043 mg of Dexamethasone.

There is a plastic ring between the bottle and the cap to control tampering. When used for the first time, the cap is rotated with force to separate from the protective strip. Dosing of the suspension is carried out by pressing the bottom of the bottle. With a single pressure, 1 drop of liquid is released. Do not squeeze the walls of the vial, as this spills out more suspension than necessary.

Why is the drug prescribed for adults and children

Dexamethasone, as an anti-inflammatory agent, acts strongly and continuously. GCS inhibits the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, histamine, bradykinin.These properties are the basis for eliminating the inflammatory process, the disappearance of its main signs - redness, swelling, itching and pain.

Therapeutic effects of Dexamethasone:

  1. Suppresses the activity of phospholipase A2, inhibits the development of inflammation.
  2. It has an antiexudative effect, prevents the release of fluid in the tissue.
  3. Reduces pain and swelling due to lower vascular permeability, blocking white blood cells.
  4. Reduces the release of an allergy mediator - histamine.

Drops Dexamethasone is a local glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory effect for use in ophthalmology. The drug also eliminates the manifestations of allergies affecting the outer shells of the eyes.

For what ailments, Dexamethasone drops are prescribed:

  • purulent inflammation of the membranes of the eye (conjunctiva, cornea, iris, sclera, vascular, retina);
  • allergic conjunctivitis, pollinosis;
  • injuries, burns to the eyes.

Eye drops begin to act a few minutes after application; the effect lasts from 4 to 8 hours.

Part of the drug enters the bloodstream, where it binds to plasma proteins. If drops are used correctly, the systemic effects of Dexamethasone are almost not expressed. To avoid the negative consequences of the effects of GCS on the entire body, you should always adhere to safe dosages, do not exceed the required duration of therapy.

Dexamethasone should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. The tool is used not only for the treatment of diseases. The drug is also used after injuries, surgery to prevent complications.

Instructions for use of dexamethasone drops

Ways to use an ophthalmic drug depend on the type of disease, symptoms. The more severe the patient’s condition, the more instillations are carried out during the day, the longer the course of treatment. However, do not show initiative. Drops are used in accordance with the prescription of an ophthalmologist or allergist, instructions for use, which was developed by drug manufacturers.

Dosages and methods of administration recommended for patients of different ages.

For adults and adolescents over 12 years old

Eye drops from allergies with minor inflammation should be injected into the conjunctival sacs of the eyes every 3-4 hours. Instill one or two drops at a time. If you adhere to the treatment regimen, then the improvement usually occurs in one or two days.

Severe inflammation, exacerbation of the disease, an attack of hay fever: adults are recommended to inject one drop every 30-60 minutes into the conjunctival sac of the eye. The dose can be reduced after the development of a positive effect. Then continue to instill one drop in 2-4 hours. After about two days, they begin to inject one drop 3 or 4 times a day. Such dosages are adhered to control the inflammatory process for from four days to one week.

Chronic inflammation, prevention of complications after eye surgery: inject one or two drops in 6-12 hours. The maximum duration of therapy is up to one month.

For children

The lower age limit for the use of the product is 6 years (according to the instructions). Ophthalmologists or allergists sometimes prescribe Dexamethasone Drops to young children and preschoolers in lower doses.

Inflammatory diseases of the membranes of the eye, allergic conjunctivitis: use one drop 2-3 times a day. According to this scheme, treatment is carried out for a week. If necessary, the therapy is continued longer. Pre-control the integrity of the epithelium of the eye, since with damage to the corticosteroids faster and stronger absorbed into the blood.

How to drip Dexamethasone on your own:

  1. They wash their hands, sit down so that it is comfortable.
  2. Shake the bottle, unscrew the cap.
  3. Gently pull the lower eyelid with your finger.
  4. The cone of the bottle is brought closer to the "pocket" between the eyelid and the cornea of ​​the eye.
  5. Press once on the bottom to obtain 1 drop, two times to leak 2 drops.
  6. The lower eyelid is released, the eye is closed.
  7. Press with your finger on the corner of the eye near the nose and hold for about 1 minute.

The last action has a special meaning. Admission is needed to prevent absorption of the drug into the bloodstream and prevent the systemic effect of GCS. Do not use your fingers to touch the opening of the bottle, cornea, mucous membrane of the eyelids. Instill the second eye (if necessary), repeating the actions of all actions. The cap of the bottle after the procedure is screwed.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

The use of an ophthalmic agent in these periods is allowed. During pregnancy, dexamethasone drops are used no longer than 7-10 days. This is the same duration of treatment with a local remedy during lactation. The doctor prescribing the drug necessarily compares the expected benefit for the woman and the possible risk to the fetus or baby.

Drug Interactions with Other Drugs

When used with atropine, dexamethasone drops may increase intraocular pressure (IOP). If used simultaneously with other anticholinergics, the same effect is observed. When the use of various ophthalmic agents is required, take a 15-minute break between instillations.

Special instructions for admission

Dexamethasone is able to cause the development of cataracts and eye infections, and provoke an increase in IOP. Less risk when using minimal doses and a short course of treatment. If infections join, then antimicrobial eye drops can be instilled at the same time.

When using Dexamethasone for more than two weeks, the corneal condition is monitored, and the IOP is measured.

Benzalkonium chloride from the composition of the drops is absorbed by soft contact lenses, changes their properties. Remove MKL before instillation. Again, lenses can be installed 15 minutes after the procedure.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

Dexamethasone can not be used for viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the eyes. The main contraindications for instillation are hypersensitivity to the ingredients of an ophthalmic agent, increased IOP.

An ophthalmic drug can cause local reactions. After instillation, pain appears in the eyes, a slight burning sensation occurs. Sight for a short time worsens. Allergic reactions to the ingredients of the suspension - redness of the membranes of the eyes, itching, swelling of the eyelids. The risk of developing cataracts is higher after 3 months of treatment. Infections can join, regeneration worsens. Occasionally, deep damage to the cornea occurs.

After instillation, it is not recommended to perform actions requiring clarity and accuracy for some time. If you need to drive, you need to wait up to 30 minutes until vision is normal.

An overdose of the drug is possible. In this case, the instillation is stopped, the eye is washed with clean boiled water.

Dexamethasone Drops Analogs

Similar ophthalmological preparations are produced by Belmedpreparaty (Belarus), Rompharm (Romania), Farmak (Ukraine). Plastic dropper bottles contain 5 or 10 ml of suspension.

Complete analogues in composition:

  • Oftan Dexamethasone (Santin, France);
  • Dexamethasone-D (Darnitsa, Ukraine);
  • Maxidex (Alcon, Belgium).

If the same amount of Dexamethasone is contained and this is the only active ingredient in the composition, then the drugs act the same, have similar indications, patterns of use.

The most affordable - eye drops of the Belarusian (35 rubles); Romanian production (100 rubles). Higher cost in the pharmacy of Oftan preparations (235 rubles); Maxidex (370 rubles).

Drops Dexamethasone is a hormonal medicine used in ophthalmology. A local remedy quickly penetrates the tissues, especially in the presence of inflammation and damage to the conjunctiva.An ophthalmic drug eliminates inflammation and manifestations of an allergic disease (itching, redness of the eyes). Dexamethasone with proper use of drops is slightly absorbed into the bloodstream, does not have a pronounced systemic effect.

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