Dexamethasone (Generic) Sterile Eye Drops for Pets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

Corticosteroids are prescribed to stop eye inflammation.  They are usually used to treat conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, pannus (chronic superficial keratitis), and eosinophilic keratitis in cats. The most common corticosteroid eye preparations are prednisolone and dexamethasone.

How do I give Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Wash your hands before and after administering Corticosteroids.

Instill the Corticosteroid drops or ointment in your pet's eye(s) as directed by your veterinarian.

If Corticosteroids are prescribed in liquid form, shake them well before use.

DO NOT touch your pet’s eye with the tip of the dropper or the tip of the ointment tube.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children and other pets.

Store this medicine in a tight, light resistant container.

What are the potential side effects of Dexamethasone Eye Drops?

There are few known side effects when Corticosteroids are administered in the eye.

If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications or supplements you are giving your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Applying Eye Drops to Dogs:

The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your pet's prompt recovery. Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for clarification.

"Wash your hands both before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or the potential spread of infection."

Wash your hands both before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or the potential spread of infection. Be sure to keep the applicator tip clean and do not allow it to contact the dog, the eye or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth and ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.

If your dog's eye is painful, you may need to have someone assist you with restraint or you may need to place a muzzle on your dog. Usually, as the medication begins to control the problem, the pain lessens and assistance becomes less necessary.

Here are some helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for administering eye drops:

Gently clean away any debris around the dog's eyes with warm water and a washcloth prior to administering the eye drops.

Hold the bottle using your thumb and index finger. You may want to rest this hand on the top of the dog's head for stability.

With your other hand, use your thumb to pull down the lower eyelid. The lower eyelid acts as a pouch to receive the drops. Place your remaining fingers under the dog's jaw to support the head.

Hold the bottle close to the eye but make sure you DO NOT touch the eye's surface.

Squeeze the prescribed number of drops directly onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye. Release the head.

Your dog will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.

It is common for dogs to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. If this persists or if the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.

Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat when you are finished. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time.

Applying Eye Drops to Cats:

The proper administration of eye medication is critical in helping your cat recover from an eye injury or infection Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for clarification.

"Wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or the potential spread of infection."

Wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or the potential spread of infection. Be sure to keep the applicator tip clean and do not allow it to contact the cat, the eye or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth and ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.

If your cat's eye is painful, you may need to have someone assist you with restraint. Usually, as the treatment begins to take effect, the pain lessens and assistance becomes less necessary.

Here are some helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to make administering your cat's eye medications easier:

• Gently clean away any debris around the cat's eyes with warm water and a washcloth prior to administering the eye drops.

• If you are administering the medication on your own, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain the cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. The first few times, or if your cat's eye is painful, it may be helpful to have someone else hold the wrapped cat while you apply the drops.

• Hold the bottle using the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand with the tip pointed downwards. You may want to rest this hand on the top of the cat's head for stability.

• Use the last two fingers of the same hand to pull back the upper eyelid. Place your remaining fingers under the cat's jaw to support the head. The lower eyelid will act as a pouch to receive the drops.

• Hold the bottle close to the eye but ensure you DO NOT touch the eye's surface.

• Squeeze the prescribed number of drops directly onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye, and then release the head.

• The cat will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.

• It is common for cats to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. If this persists or if the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.

Dexamethasone Ophthalmic (Rx) Solution for Pets

Trade Names:

Maxidex®

General Description:

This drug is an eye medication that is a steroid anti-inflammatory. This medication is available in the form of drops and ointments.

What is this drug?

• A corticosteroid

Reasons for prescribing:

• To treat or prevent inflammatory conditions involving the eye, conjunctiva, and eyelids

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Animals with corneal ulcers as the steroid can delay healing
• Animals with bacterial infections should not be treated with only dexamethasone
• Animals with viral or fungal infections as the steroid can worsen or prolong the infection
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Directions:

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs.

Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.

If your pet requires more than one medication in the same eye, administer the medications 5 minutes apart.

If your pet requires more than one medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is preferable to administer drops before ointments.

If you are having difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.

Administration of eye drops

• Wash your hands before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions and shake bottle if necessary
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication bottle with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently hold the eyelids open and with the other hand holding the medication bottle, rest your hand above the eye
• Be sure that the tip of the medication bottle is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Apply the correct amount of drops into the eye
• Continue to hold your pet's head up and allow them to blink to distribute the drops over the entire eye
• Place the cap back on the medication bottle and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

Administration of eye ointments

• Wash hands prior before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication tube with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently roll down the lower eyelid of the affected eye and while holding the medication tube, rest your hand above the eye
• Be sure that the tip of the medication tube is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication tube does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Holding the tube parallel to the eyelid, apply the correct amount of ointment along the inner edge of the lower lid
• Gently hold the eyelids shut and massage to disperse the medication
• Place the cap back on the medication tube and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced previous eye problems
• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Dexamethasone should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

• This medication may cause the eye to sting for a short period after application
• This medication can affect and delay wound healing
• This medication can affect the regulation of animals with Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you pet has accidentally ingested this medication or has received more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, dexamethasone ophthalmic should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Never use skin or ear medications in the eye.

This is just a summary of information about dexamethasone ophthalmic. If you have any questions or concerns about dexamethasone ophthalmic or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.