Bemaj Pharmacy

Dexamethasone eye drops Brand names: Dexafree, Dropodex, Eythalm, Maxidex. Find out how dexamethasone eye drops treat eye inflammation and irritation, and how to use them.

What eye drops are good for inflammation?

Please read important reminders regarding ! – These are all corticosteroid eye drops that are used to treat inflammation related to eye problems or after eye surgery. Your doctor will instruct you on the frequency of using these medications, which often start out very frequently and require a tapering schedule.

1. These are usually in suspension form and need to be shaken before they are applied.
2. All of these medications can potentially cause the eye pressure to silently increase over time and cause “steroid-induced glaucoma” which can be quite serious and lead to vision loss if not picked up and treated appropriately.

Prednisolone usually has more of a tendency to raise the eye pressure compared to Lotemax ®, Vexol ® and FML ®. Steroids like these can also worsen an infection, therefore they must be used under the guidance of your eye doctor. If you have completed your course of any of these steroid drops, discard them by returning unused portions to your pharmacist or your eye doctor for proper disposal.

Steroid eye drops should definitely NOT be used on a chronic basis unless monitored by your eye doctor and should NOT be shared with family or friends. Other possible side effects of corticosteroid eye drops include dizziness, general malaise and fatigue. It is important to apply pressure to the corner of the eye(s) near the nose, after applying this drop so that it does not run down your throat into your body and cause such symptoms.

If you are unable to tolerate this medication, contact the office first to schedule a prompt follow-up (if you do not have one already). It is not recommended to stop steroids abruptly, since this can cause the inflammation to increase suddenly. This is a corticosteroid that is available in drop or ointment form. The drops are given to control inflammation as explained above. The ointment is usually used at bedtime in the affected eye(s). This is used to treatment inflammation caused by various eye problems and after eye procedures or surgeries. These are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are akin to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin or related drugs, you should not take these medications. They are usually used after cataract surgery, or to treat inflammation at the back of the eye(s). : About Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops

What happens if you stop steroid eye drops suddenly?

Should I expect side effects when “coming off” prednisolone? – You might experience side effects when you stop taking prednisolone, especially if you’ve been using the medication long term. In this case, your doctor will likely recommend that you slowly stop prednisolone treatment, instead of stopping suddenly.

Stopping too soon may cause symptoms, such as fatigue and eye irritation, These are similar to symptoms you may see if you suddenly stop taking other forms of topical steroids, (Prednisolone eye drops are a type of steroid drug that you apply topically to your eye.) However, if your doctor prescribes prednisolone for short-term use, you’ll likely be able to stop treatment right away.

Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in stopping prednisolone treatment. They’ll advise the best way for you to do so.

How many days can you use steroid eye drops?

Prednisolone eye drops for inflammation (Pred Forte, Minims)

Prednisolone eye drops are usually prescribed by an eye specialist. Unless you’ve been told otherwise, use the drops regularly every 1-2 hours until your symptoms are controlled, and then several times a day for a further few days. Eye drops can cause blurred vision when first put in. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines until your vision is clear again.

table>

Type of medicine Corticosteroid eye drops Used for To treat eye inflammation in adults or children Also called Pred Forte®; Minims® Prednisolone sodium phosphate Available as Eye drops and single-dose units

Prednisolone eye drops are used to treat short-term, They are usually prescribed by an eye specialist. They contain a corticosteroid (sometimes called a ‘steroid’) which helps to relieve inflammation, redness and irritation. To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using prednisolone drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops or any other medicines.
• If you think you may have an eye infection.
• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• Before you use the eye drops, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about the eye drops and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using them.
• Use the eye drops exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to apply the drops frequently during the first two days until your symptoms are controlled – typically every 1-2 hours while you are awake. Once your eye begins to feel better, reduce the frequency of using the drops to four times a day for a further few days, then stop.
• Prednisolone eye drops are only meant to be used for a short period of time. Do not use them for longer than one week unless your doctor advises you otherwise. This is because they can cause problems within your eye when used for longer than recommended.

1. Wash your hands well before you use the drops.
2. Remove the cap (or twist off the tip of a unit if you are using single-dose Minims®).
3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
4. Hold the bottle (or single-dose unit) upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
5. Apply enough pressure to gently release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.
6. Close your eye for a minute or two and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes. (The contents of one single-dose unit are enough for both eyes.)
8. Replace the cap (or if you are using the single-dose unit, throw it away).

• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This will help to prevent the risk of infection.
• When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see properly before you drive or before using tools or machines, as otherwise you may put yourself and others at risk.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave 5-10 minutes between applying each one. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and may not have the intended effect.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check again with your doctor.
• If you normally wear contact lenses, please wear your spectacles instead until your doctor advises you that it is suitable for you to wear your lenses again. There are two reasons for this – you should not wear lenses while your eyes are inflamed, and bottles of eye drops contain a preservative which can affect some soft contact lenses.

Along with their useful effects, eye drops can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with prednisolone eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your drops.

Prednisolone eye drop side-effects	What can I do if I experience this?
Mild discomfort or irritation	This should quickly pass. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Blurred vision	This usually disappears within a few minutes. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines while affected

Occasionally people can be allergic to eye drops, particularly if the eye drops contain a preservative. If you notice a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or itching, stop using the drops and contact a doctor for advice. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened so throw away the bottle after your course of treatment is finished, even if there is some solution left. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.
• Single-dose units should be used as soon as the unit is opened. Do not keep opened units to re-use at a later time.

If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Prednisolone eye drops for inflammation (Pred Forte, Minims)

Can I get steroid eye drops over the counter?

Descriptions – Ophthalmic corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) are used to prevent permanent damage to the eye, which may occur with certain eye problems. They also provide relief from redness, irritation, and other discomfort. Corticosteroids for use in the eye are available only with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Suspension
• Insert, Extended Release
• Solution
• Emulsion
• Ointment
• Gel/Jelly

What to avoid for eye inflammation?

Truly bad foods include French fries, most boxed cereals, candy, chips, most fast foods & fried snack foods. Sugar is your #1 enemy. Aspartame (nutri-sweet) & MSG stimulate pain receptors & cause inflammation. No sodas are good for you.

Can oral steroids help eye inflammation?

Oral Steroid Medications – Oral steroids are less often used in eye problems but can be very useful for cases of severe eye inflammation. Things such as vitritis, panuveitis, chorioretinal inflammation, and other types of inflammation that are not responsive to treatment with eye drops may require oral steroid medications.

What are the most popular steroids for inflammation?

Prednisone and other corticosteroids – Weigh the benefits and risks of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, when choosing a medicine. By Mayo Clinic Staff Corticosteroid medicines include cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone. They are useful in treating rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and other conditions. But corticosteroids also carry a risk of side effects.

Do steroids reduce inflammation?

How steroids work – Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands which are 2 small glands found above the kidneys. Steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema.