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Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate

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Precautions

Before using dexamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye infections, recent eye surgery, cataracts, glaucoma (open-angle type), severe nearsightedness (myopia), diabetes, other ear problems (such as a hole in your eardrum, ear infections).

After you apply this drug in the eyes, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you develop a new eye infection or injury, or require eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current bottle of dexamethasone eye drops or start a new bottle.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Rarely, stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes may occur when you apply this medication. If used in the ear, stinging/burning may also rarely occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for prolonged periods or in high doses may cause serious eye problems (such as high pressure inside the eyes and cataracts). Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: vision problems, eye pain.

This medication may mask the signs of an eye/ear infection. It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye/ear infection, especially with prolonged use. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as eye/ear discharge/swelling/redness, vision/hearing problems, or no improvement of your current eye/ear condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your treatment.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: headache, dizziness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.