Maxidex (ophthalmic)
Generic name:dexamethasone (ophthalmic) [ DEX-a-METH-a-sone-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic steroids
What is Maxidex ophthalmic?
Maxidex (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.
Maxidex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Maxidex if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Maxidex if you are allergic to it, or if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
glaucoma; or
cataracts.
Using Maxidex long-term may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Maxidex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Maxidex ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
If you use Maxidex for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.