What is dexamethasone prescribed for? Indications for this remedy will be listed below. You will also learn about the form of release of this medication, its method of use and contraindications.
Form, description of the product, its composition
"Dexamethasone" is an eye ointment with a uniform consistency, white, without impurities and a pronounced smell.
The active ingredient of this medication is a glucocorticosteroid - dexamethasone. It is an analogue of natural GCS, which is produced by the human adrenal cortex.
The drug Dexamethasone (ointment 0.1%) is on sale in aluminum tubes of 3.5 g each.
The mechanism of action of the local drug
How does the drug “Dexamethasone” (ointment) work? Instructions for use informs that after laying this tool over the lower eyelid, its active substance quickly penetrates the surface layers of the visual organs.
This medication acts locally, and also exhibits anti-inflammatory, decongestant and anti-allergic properties. Under the influence of "Dexamethasone" there is a decrease in the permeability of small blood vessels and their narrowing. Also, the drug in question eliminates redness of the sclera, swelling and other signs of an inflammatory process or an allergic reaction. This effect of the drug is due to the fact that Dexamethasone is able to inhibit the formation, activity and transportation of biological substances that are directly involved in the described processes.
Features of the medication
What is remarkable ointment based on dexamethasone? Like any other drugs containing the mentioned component, the eye ointment in question cannot be used for a long time, otherwise it can contribute to the development of adverse reactions, including general ones. This is due to the fact that some of the dexamethasone enters the systemic circulation.
The negative sides of the drug
What is the difference between Dexamethasone and other eye products? Ointment for external use can significantly reduce local immunity. Often this leads to the addition of a fungal or bacterial infection, which significantly aggravates the patient's condition.
It should be especially noted that the development of such diseases can not be recognized immediately, since Dexamethasone well suppresses and hides any inflammatory processes.
Due to the possible occurrence of common adverse reactions, such an ointment is not recommended for the treatment of adolescents and young children, since its active substance is able to negatively affect their sexual development and normal growth.
What is dexamethasone prescribed for?
An ophthalmic ointment with such an active substance as dexamethasone is often used in the development of non-purulent allergic and inflammatory processes, in particular:
- with inflammation of the upper layers of the visual organs, as well as the cornea, edges of the eyelids, sclera and conjunctiva (in diseases such as blepharitis, scleritis, conjunctivitis, keratitis);
- inflammation of the ciliary body, iris and choroid (in diseases such as iridocyclitis and uevit).
Also, the drug "Dexamethasone" (ointment) can be prescribed to prevent inflammatory processes after undergoing ophthalmic surgeries and eye burns (only after all defects in the upper layers of the visual organs are completely healed).
Contraindications to the use of ointment for the eyes
In what cases are doctors forbidden to use the drug "Dexamethasone" (ointment)? Contraindications of this remedy for the eyes are the following conditions:
- any damage to the upper layers of the cornea;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the local drug;
- diseases of the visual organs having a fungal, viral, purulent, tuberculous or bacterial nature;
- adolescence and childhood (due to the fact that clinical studies of the drug in this category of patients have not been conducted);
- period of breastfeeding.
It should also be noted that during pregnancy, the drug "Dexamethasone" (ointment) can be used only as directed by the doctor. This is due to the fact that some of the medication can penetrate the systemic circulation and, as a result, adversely affect the fetus.
The drug "Dexamethasone" (ointment): instructions for use
How should I use the ophthalmic agent in question? According to the attached instructions, such a drug must be laid for the lower eyelid in the amount of one strip 1-1.5 cm long. Such therapeutic measures should be carried out three times a day. The course of treatment with ophthalmic ointment is 2-3 weeks (no more).
Side effects
What undesirable symptoms can a local Dexamethasone medication (ointment) cause? Customer reviews argue that if you use this drug according to the doctor’s recommendations for a short time, it does not cause side effects.
If the ointment is used for a very long time (more than 10 days), then the development of the following negative reactions is possible:
- clouding of the lens;
- damage to the optic nerve with subsequent visual impairment;
- gradual development of glaucoma;
- persistent increase in pressure inside the eye, which can be accompanied by severe headaches;
- the occurrence of cataracts;
- slow healing of wounds, especially if the ointment was used after burns and injuries;
- allergic reactions in the form of tissue edema and redness (in this case, the medication is immediately canceled).
It should also be noted that if the patient has thinning of the cornea, then prolonged use of an eye ointment can lead to its perforation.
Due to the fact that the drug in question is able to reduce the immunity of the tissues of the visual organs, during its use it is possible to attach a purulent fungal or bacterial infection, which will be masked by the active substance of the medication, which removes all signs of inflammation.
Overdose
Cases of overdose with this drug are unknown. However, experts argue that when using a large amount of eye ointment, the patient may experience side effects that require immediate withdrawal of therapy.
Special information
In the process of using the drug "Dexamethasone" (especially for a long time), constant monitoring by an optometrist is necessary, as well as blood pressure monitoring.
To reduce adverse reactions, together with the considered drug, the patient can be prescribed antacids and increase the intake of potassium in the body through a certain diet.
With the sudden cancellation of this medication, the development of negative phenomena is possible.
Reviews about eye ointment
An eye ointment with an active substance such as dexamethasone is an effective drug. According to patient reports, this drug does its job well. Its use helps to eliminate inflammatory processes in the upper layers of the visual organs, as well as in the ciliary body, iris and choroid.
It should also be noted that with the correct use of the medication and observing the dosage regimen, it almost never causes side effects.
The disadvantages of this local drug include the inability to use in adolescents and young children.
It is impossible not to say that in recent years the drug in question has become quite difficult to obtain in pharmacies. Therefore, very often doctors recommend replacing ophthalmic ointment with ophthalmic drops with the same name "Dexamethasone".