This information is about dexamethasone for your eyes. There's separate information about other types of dexamethasone.

What dexamethasone eye drops are for

Dexamethasone eye drops are a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid).

Steroid medicines help reduce pain, redness and swelling (inflammation). They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

Dexamethasone eye drops are used to treat pain, redness and swelling in your eyes. This can be caused by:

eye conditions, such as uveitis
surgery
injury

You can also get dexamethasone eye drops that are combined with an antibiotic medicine. These are sometimes used if you also have an infection in your eye.

How to use dexamethasone eye drops

Dexamethasone eye drops usually come in:

a small bottle with a dropper you squeeze to put the drops in your eye
single-use droppers that you throw away after each use

Your doctor will tell you how many eye drops to use each day and how long to use them. The usual dose for adults is 1 drop, 4 to 6 times a day.

To use dexamethasone eye drops:

wash your hands before you put your eye drops in and follow the instructions that come with them
when you've put the drops in your eye, close your eye and gently press your finger into the corner of your eye (by your nose) for at least 1 minute – this helps keep the drops in your eye and lowers the risk of some side effects

You may only need to use them for a few days, but sometimes you may need to use them for a few weeks or more.

You might need to have your eye pressure checked regularly if you're using dexamethasone eye drops for more than a week and you have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use them or if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Things to avoid

do not use contact lenses while using dexamethasone eye drops
do not swallow dexamethasone eye drops
do not let the dropper touch your eye, or the skin around your eye

Important: Infection risk

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the dropper touches any surface, your eye or skin around your eye because you may be at risk of getting an infection.

If you miss a dose of dexamethasone eye drops

If you forget to use your dexamethasone eye drops, use them as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you use too many dexamethasone eye drops

If you use more dexamethasone eye drops than you're prescribed dose, wash your eyes with warm water.

Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:

you've accidentally swallowed any dexamethasone eye drops
you've used more dexamethasone eye drops than you've been prescribed and it's causing any symptoms

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the dexamethasone eye drops packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

How to stop using dexamethasone eye drops

Your doctor may suggest you slowly reduce the dose of dexamethasone eye drops. Do not suddenly stop taking them. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're thinking of stopping treatment.

Side effects of dexamethasone eye drops

Like all medicines, dexamethasone eye drops can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects of dexamethasone eye drops include:

irritation, burning or itching in your eye
blurred or cloudy vision
an unusual taste in your mouth

If you have blurred vision after using dexamethasone eye drops, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you can see clearly.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if:

you have any side effects that are bothering you or do not go away, including any problems with your vision

They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.

Find a pharmacy

Serious side effects

Dexamethasone eye drops can sometimes cause more serious side effects. The risk of some serious side effects increases the longer you use dexamethasone eye drops.

Possible serious side effects of dexamethasone eye drops include:

a build-up of pressure in your eye, if you’ve been using dexamethasone eye drops for more than 2 weeks – this can increase your risk of getting glaucoma
cataracts
Cushings syndrome, which causes swelling around your face and tummy
an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing, but this is very rare
an ulcer on your eye, which can cause pain and loss of vision – this is very rare

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're using dexamethasone eye drops and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you’re having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of dexamethasone eye drops.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot use dexamethasone eye drops

Most adults and some children can use dexamethasone eye drops. They’re sometimes prescribed for children.

Dexamethasone eye drops are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from using dexamethasone, or other ingredients used in the eye drops
you have an eye infection
you have glaucoma

Before using dexamethasone eye drops, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and dexamethasone eye drops

Dexamethasone eye drops can be used while breastfeeding but talk to your doctor first.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and dexamethasone eye drops

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while using dexamethasone eye drops.

Dexamethasone eye drops can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of using them while you're pregnant.

Find out more about using dexamethasone eye drops during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using dexamethasone eye drops with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with dexamethasone eye drops.

These include eye drops that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Before using dexamethasone eye drops, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Dexamethasone eye drops - Common brand: Maxidex