Dexamethasone Ophthalmic 

What  is this medicine? 

DEXAMETHASONE; TOBRAMYCIN (dex a METH a sone; toe bra MYE sin) is a steroid  and an aminoglycoside antibiotic.  It is used to treat bacterial  eye infections. It will also decrease swelling, redness, and itching.
 
This  medicine may be used for other purposes;  ask your health care provider  or pharmacist if  you have questions. 

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? 

They need to know if  you have any  of these conditions:

• any active infection 
• cataracts
• diabetes
• glaucoma 
• wear contact lenses 
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, tobramycin, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives 
• pregnant  or trying to get pregnant 
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? 

This medicine is only  for use in  the eye. Follow  the directions on  the prescription label. Wash hands before  and after use. Tilt  your head back slightly  and pull  your lower eyelid down with  your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip  of the tube to  your eye, fingertips, or  other surface. Squeeze the end  of the ointment tube to apply a thin layer  of the ointment to  the inside  of the eyelid.  Close the eye gently  to spread the ointment.  Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better.  Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor  or health care professional.
 
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
  
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. 

NOTE:  This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine  with others. 

What may interact with this medicine? 

Interactions are not expected. Do not  use any other  eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional. 

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give  your health care provider  a list  of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with  your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using this medicine? 

Check with  your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not get better within 5 days, or if it gets worse. 

Tell  your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed  to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. 

If you wear contact lenses, ask  your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again. 

A burning or stinging reaction  that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call  your doctor or health care professional. 

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed. 

To prevent the spread  of infection, do not share  eye products, towels and washcloths with anyone else. Throw away any unused eye products. 

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? 

Side effects that you should report to  your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of  the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision 
• eye pain 
• infection
• severe burning, stinging or swelling of  the eyelids 
• watery eyes 

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to  your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• eye irritation, itching 
• mild  burning, redness  or stinging in the eye 
• temporary watering or blurring  of vision 

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call  your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. 

Where should I keep my  medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 8  and 27 degrees C (46 and 80 degrees F).  Throw away any unused medicine  after the expiration date. 

Notes: Dr. M. Kristine Schlossberg

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EditText of this page (last edited March 2, 2010)