Dexamethasone (EENT)

Class: Corticosteroids
ATC Class: S01CA01
VA Class: OP350
CAS Number: 50-02-2


Dexamethasone, Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (EENT) is also contained as an ingredient in the following combinations:
Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Dexamethasone

Introduction

A synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid.

Uses for Dexamethasone (EENT)

Ophthalmic Inflammation

Symptomatic relief of corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe (e.g., allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, selected infective conjunctivitides).

Treatment of chronic anterior uveitis.

Treatment of corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns or penetration of foreign bodies.

Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections

Used for anti-inflammatory properties in conjunction with appropriate anti-infective therapy in some bacterial infections of the eye; used in fixed combination with neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates or tobramycin when such combination therapy is indicated. If an ophthalmic corticosteroid is used in combination with an ophthalmic anti-infective, weigh benefits against risks. (See Infections under Cautions.)

Otic Inflammation

Symptomatic relief of corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the ear canal (e.g., allergic otitis externa).

Bacterial Otic Infections

Used for anti-inflammatory properties in conjunction with ciprofloxacin for treatment of acute otitis externa and in pediatric patients with tympanostomy tubes for acute otitis media.

Used to reduce edema and inflammation in select cases of purulent and nonpurulent infective otitis externa.

If a corticosteroid is used alone or in combination with an otic anti-infective, weigh benefits against risks. (See Infections under Cautions.)

Dexamethasone (EENT) Dosage and Administration

Administration

Apply topically to the eye or ear.

Ophthalmic Administration

Apply topically to the eye as an ophthalmic ointment, solution, or suspension.

Not for injection.

Shake suspension well prior to each use.

Avoid contamination of preparation container.

Do not administer solutions or suspensions containing benzalkonium chloride while wearing soft contact lenses. Wait ≥15 minutes after instilling drops before inserting contact lenses. (See Advice to Patients.)

Otic Administration

Apply topically to the ear as an otic suspension or an ophthalmic solution.

Not for injection. Do not instill otic preparations into the eye.

May use dexamethasone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution in the ear.

Shake suspension well prior to each use.

To avoid dizziness that may result from instilling a cold preparation into the ear, warm the preparation by holding the bottle in the hands for 1–2 minutes prior to administration.

Clean and dry ear canal prior to administration; pH of otic preparations should be neutral or acidic.

Lie with the affected ear upward and instill drops. For pediatric patients with otitis media and tympanostomy tubes, pump the tragus 5 times to ease penetration of drops into the middle ear. For acute otitis externa, pull ..