Maxidex

This page contains drug information on Maxidex.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Maxidex
the possible side effects of Maxidex
what happens if you miss a dose of Maxidex
what happens if you overdose with Maxidex
the most important information about Maxidex
how to use Maxidex
other drugs that may affect Maxidex
what to avoid while using Maxidex
 
Generic Name: dexamethasone ophthalmic (dex a MEH tha sone)
Brand Names: AK-Dex, Decadron Ocumeter, Dexasol, Maxidex
 
What is the most important information I should know about maxidex?
 •  Do not stop using this medication suddenly if you have been using it for several weeks or more. Before stopping, you may need to reduce the dose over several days to prevent side effects.
 •  Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.

What is maxidex?
 •  maxidex is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation. Therefore, the swelling and pain of inflammatory conditions is decreased.
 •  maxidex is used to treat eye inflammation caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions.
 •  maxidex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use maxidex?
 •  Do not use maxidex if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye without also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
 •  maxidex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether maxidex will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  It is also not known whether maxidex passes into breast milk. Do not use maxidex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use maxidex?
 •  Use maxidex eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before using your eyedrops or ointment.
 •  To apply the eyedrops:
      · Shake the bottle gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out the prescribed number of drops and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.
 •  To apply the ointment:
      · Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store maxidex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops or ointment have been ingested, call an emergency left for advice.

What should I avoid while using maxidex?
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. maxidex may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
 •  If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with maxidex.

What are the possible side effects of maxidex?
 •  Serious side effects are not expected with this medication. Rarely, an increase in the pressure inside of the eye, formation of cataracts, or a perforation of the cornea has been reported. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects.
 •  More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use maxidex and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.

What other drugs will affect maxidex?
 •  Do not use other eyedrops or eye medications during treatment with maxidex without first talking to your doctor.
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), methylprednisolone (Medrol), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), and others.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with maxidex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.