Maxidex (Dexamethasone 0.1%) Eye Ointment

Maxidex Eye Ointment general information

What is Maxidex Eye Ointment used for?

Maxidex Eye Ointment 0.1% is used to treat inflammatory or allergic conditions affecting the outer eye, including the bulbar conjunctiva a clear membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye (sclera) and the palpebral conjunctiva, which continues over the eye to cover the inside of the eyelids; also the anterior segment of the eye that includes the iris, pupil, lens, cornea (clear protective area at the front of the eye) and fluid filled anterior chamber.  Conditions that Maxidex Eye Ointment is used for are allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), acne rosacea of the eye, superficial punctate keratitis (inflammation of small areas of corneal cells that become damaged), herpes zoster keratitis (a form of shingles that affects the eye), iritis (irritation of the iris), cyclitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid).  Maxidex Eye Ointment is also used to treat corneal injury caused by chemical, radiation and heat burns, or penetration of foreign bodies; and to suppress graft reaction after keratoplasty (corneal surgery or transplant).  Maxidex Eye Ointment helps reduce symptoms of inflammation including redness, swelling and pain.

How does Maxidex Eye Ointment work?

Maxidex Eye Ointment contains dexamethasone 0.1%, a corticosteroid hormone and is a synthetic derivative of the natural glucocorticoid cortisol, with potent anti-inflammatory properties.  Dexamethasone in Maxidex Eye Ointment acts directly through the glucocorticoid receptor that is expressed inside most cells of the body and regulates transcription of specific genes that control the inflammatory and immune response.  Dexamethasone in Maxidex Eye Ointment works by reducing the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response that triggers inflammation, primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes from inflammatory cells and preventing the migration of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues.  This reduces the swelling (oedema), redness and pain associated with inflammation.    

What does Maxidex Eye Ointment contain?

Maxidex Eye Ointment contains the active ingredient dexamethasone (0.1%), an antiiflammatory corticosteroid hormone that is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the eye.  It also contains methyl hydroxybenzoate as a preservative, propyl hydroxybenzoate as a preservative, lanolin oil, white soft paraffin.

Treating inflammation of the eye with Maxidex Eye Ointment

Maxidex Eye Ointment contains dexamethasone 0.1%, a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory that is used to treat inflammatory or allergic conditions affecting the conjunctiva of the outer eye and inside of the eyelids, also the anterior segment of the eye that includes the iris, pupil, lens, cornea.  Conditions that Maxidex Eye Ointment is used for are allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), acne rosacea of the eye, superficial punctate keratitis (inflammation of small areas of corneal cells that become damaged), herpes zoster keratitis (a form of shingles that affects the eye), iritis (irritation of the iris), cyclitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid).  Maxidex Eye Ointment is also used to treat corneal injury caused by chemical, radiation and heat burns, or penetration of foreign bodies; and to suppress graft reaction after keratoplasty (corneal surgery or transplant).  Dexamethasone in Maxidex Eye Ointment works by reducing the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response that triggers inflammation, primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes from inflammatory cells and preventing the migration of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues.  This reduces the swelling (oedema), redness and pain associated with inflammation.   

What are the side effects of Maxidex Eye Ointment?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Maxidex Eye Ointment include eye discomfort or irritation like burning, stinging or grittiness, visual disturbance (blurry vision), increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that may lead to glaucoma, delayed wound healing, cataract formation, secondary eye infection.

When should Maxidex Eye Ointment not be used?

You should not use Maxidex Eye Ointment if you:

• are allergic to dexamethasone or any ingredients in Maxidex Eye Ointment
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have a bacterial, viral or fungal eye infection
• have glaucoma or are at risk of developing glaucoma
• have recently had cataract surgery as corticosteroids can delay healing
• have Sjogren’s keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva as a symptom of the autoimmune disease Sjogren’s syndrome)
• are taking medicines that interact with Maxidex Eye Ointment including other corticosteroids or steroid medicines, NSAIDs, ritonavir or cobicistat for HIV,

How should Maxidex Eye Ointment be used?

You should apply your Maxidex Eye Ointment by pulling down the lower lid and squeezing a small ribbon of Maxidex Eye Ointment into the conjunctival sac, up to four times daily, depending on your doctor’s recommendation and what you are being treated for.  This may be reduced to once daily depending on how well the inflammation responds.  If you wear contact lenses these should be removed before adding your Maxidex Eye Ointment and not returned before 15 minutes.  You should continue to apply your Maxidex Eye Ointment for several days until your condition has improved and depending on doctor’s recommendation.

How long should you take Maxidex Eye Ointment?

You should continue to apply your Maxidex Eye Ointment for several days until your condition has improved and depending on doctor’s recommendation.

Missed dose of Maxidex Eye Ointment

If you miss a dose of Maxidex Eye Ointment apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Maxidex Eye Ointment be stored?

You should store your Maxidex Eye Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place.  Discard after four weeks of use.