MAXIDEX SUSPENSION (DEXAMETHASONE)

Maxidex Suspension Description

Maxidex Suspension is an ophthalmic medicine that is administered topically to reduce the inflammation that can be caused by allergic conjunctivitis, iritis, keratitis, an injury, or post-op from cataract surgery. The active ingredient is Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that resembles your own cortisol that can be an important part of ophthalmic therapy for controlling inflammation and scarring as well as preventing the risk of vision loss and absenteeism from work or school. Long-term use of corticosteroids is not usually recommended due to the side effects that can occur, but short-term use can be very beneficial.

What is Inflammation and How Does Dexamethasone Help Reduce it?

Inflammation is your body’s way of responding to pathogens and irritants as a way of protecting you. The chemicals that are produced to cause inflammation work together to eliminate the alleged suspect that is the source of injury, and clear out any necrotic cells and tissues that were damaged, and start the healing process. Inflammation is responsible for damage as well due to further inflammation that occurs as a response to inflammation.

When instilled into the affected eye(s), Maxidex Suspension increases your corticosteroid level which will help stop the adrenal glands from making cortisol. Prostaglandins and other inflammatory chemicals are inhibited and the immune system is suppressed to bring relief from the pain, redness, and swelling that inflammation can cause. Your eyes can sustain permanent damage if you allow inflammation to go without treatment.

Conditions Treated by Maxidex Suspension

Seasonal or year-round allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye, but is not contagious. When you are exposed to an allergen, dust, dander, pollen, smoke, or whatever tips off your immune system, your eyes can become red, swollen, inflamed, and itchy. This is due to the chemicals that are signaled because your immune system believes you are under threat. Decreasing the production of the chemicals is essential to calming the symptoms and Maxidex Suspension can do this.

Before Maxidex Suspension is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding to be certain whether Maxidex Suspension is safe to use. Your doctor should know about any medical conditions or other allergies you have and provide a list of OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal and vitamin supplements, to determine if Maxidex Suspension is right for you.

Maxidex Suspension Precautions

Your vision will be temporarily impaired after using Maxidex Suspension so do not drive or perform any activities that could be considered unsafe until your vision clears. Remove contact lenses before instilling Maxidex Suspension and wait at least 10-15 minutes before putting them back in your eyes. Do not use Maxidex Suspension for longer than your doctor prescribed. Keep the tip of the applicator from touching your eye and do not touch it with your fingers or it may become contaminated.

Possible Side Effects of Maxidex Suspension

• Headache
• Temporary reduced vision
• Increased ocular pressure (IOP)