Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Applies to dexamethasone ophthalmic: intraocular implant, intraocular suspension.

Other dosage forms:

• ophthalmic insert extended release, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension

Precautions

Your eye doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks after you receive this medicine.

Serious eye problems may occur after receiving this medicine. Check with your eye doctor right away if you have a change in vision or the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful. Also, tell your doctor if you feel an increased pressure in the eye.

This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

The Ozurdex® implant could move into a different part of your eye if the back part of your lens is missing or torn. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your eye doctor right away.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dexamethasone ophthalmic:

Other side effects

Some side effects of dexamethasone ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dexamethasone ophthalmic: intraocular implant, intraocular suspension, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were cataract, elevation of intraocular pressure, and conjunctival hemorrhage.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataract (up to 68%), elevation of intraocular pressure (28%), conjunctival hemorrhage (22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Eye pain, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular hypertension, reduced visual acuity, conjunctivitis, vitreous floaters, conjunctival edema, dry eye, vitreous detachment, vitreous opacities, retinal aneurysm, foreign body sensation, corneal erosion, keratitis, anterior chamber inflammation, retinal tear, eyelid ptosis, vitreous detachment, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal staining, photophobia, blurred vision, eye pruritus, increased lacrimation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Burning, stinging
• Frequency not reported: Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and visual field defects, subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection and perforation of the globe

Postmarketing experience: Complication of device insertion (implant misplacement), device dislocation with or without corneal edema, endophthalmitis, hypotony of the eye (associated with vitreous leakage due to injection), retinal detachment^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (13%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, migraine
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression

Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur at doses higher than recommended in predisposed patients including children and those on CYP P450 3A4 inhibitors.

See also:

Further information

Dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer