Dexamethasone ophthalmic (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.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use dexamethasone if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

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 dexamethasone 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.

You should not use dexamethasone 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 dexamethasone ophthalmic 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.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

An overdose of dexamethasone ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not share dexamethasone with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexamethasone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision;

• eye pain; or

• if you see halos around lights.

Common side effects of dexamethasone may include:

• eye irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.