Ophthalmic corticosteroids are used to prevent permanent damage to the eye, which may occur with certain eye problems. They also provide relief from irritation, redness, and another discomfort.
These medications are only available through your doctor’s prescription.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric Usage: Children under 2 years of age may be particularly sensitive to the effects of ophthalmic corticosteroids. This may increase the chance of side effects. If this medication has been prescribed for a young child, discuss the use with your doctor. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.
Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. However, they are not expected to cause any different problems or side effects in the elderly than in younger adults.
This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women or there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
Breastfeeding: These medications have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Cataracts - These medications may cause cataracts or make them worse.
Any other eye infection - These medications may worsen existing infections of cause new infections.
3 Proper Usage
Only take this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
For patients who wear contact lenses:
Using this medication while you wear contact lenses (hard or soft) may increase the chance of infection. Do not apply this medication while wearing contact lenses.
Check with an ophthalmologist for advice on how long to wait after using this medication before inserting your contact lenses.
There is a chance you may be told not to wear contact lenses for the duration of your treatment and for 1-2 days after treatment is over.
Solution or suspension:
Shake the container well.
Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medication into this space. Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
If you think you did not get the medication into your eye, use another drop.
Wash your hands immediately after use to remove any medication that may be on them.
Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly closed. This will help prevent infection of the eye.
Ointment:
Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space.
Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1/3-in amount is enough unless your doctor tells you to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink.
Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
To keep the medication as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly shut.
Do not use any leftover medication for future eye problems without asking your doctor first. This medication should not be sued if certain infections are present. Doing so may make the infection worse and possibly lead to eye damage.
Dosing:
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication.
The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Betamethasone (For solution):
Adults and children - 1-2 drops every 1-2 hours, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
Dexamethasone:
For ointment: Adults and children - Use 3-4 times a day, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
For suspension: Adults and children - Use 1-2 drops up to 6 times a day.
For solution: Adults and children - Use 1-2 drops 4-6 times a day.
Fluorometholone:
For ointment: Adults and children - Use 1-3 times a day.
For suspension: Adults and children - Use 1-2 drops 2-4 times a day.
Hydrocortisone (for ointment):
Adults and children - Use 3-4 times a day, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
Medrysone (suspension):
Adults and children - Use 1 drop up to every 4 hours.
Suspension: Adults and children - 1-2 drop up to 6 times a day.
Solution: Adults and children - 1-2 drop 2-4 times a day.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to Take
If you use this medication for more than a few weeks, an ophthalmologist should examine your eyes regularly to make sure it does not cause unwanted effects.
If your eye condition does not improve within 5-7 days, or if it becomes worse, inform your doctor.
A medication may produce unwanted effects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
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