Generic name: Dexamethasone, neomycin, and polymyxin b (ophthalmic)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Methadex?
Dexamethasone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination antibiotic and steroid medicine that is used to treat eye inflammation caused by uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.
This medicine is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.
Dexamethasone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dexamethasone, neomycin, or polymyxin B, or if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma;
- cataracts, or if you need cataract surgery; or
- an allergic reaction to a medicine like neomycin (such as kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or gentamicin).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How should I use Methadex
Use Methadex (Ophthalmic) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply 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.
To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube, or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.
If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.
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.
Methadex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
- pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes; or
- a wound that will not heal.
Common side effects may include:
- blurred vision; or
- mild 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.
What other drugs will affect Methadex?
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.