Corticosteroids (Ophthalmic)
Proper Use of This MedicineFor patients
who wear contact lenses
:
-
Use of ophthalmic corticosteroids while you are wearing contact lenses
(either hard lenses or soft lenses) may increase the chance of infection.
Therefore, do not apply this medicine while you are wearing contact lenses.
Also, check with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) for advice on how long to
wait after applying this medicine before inserting your contact lenses. It
is possible that you may be directed not to wear contact lenses at all during
the entire time of treatment and for a day or two after treatment has been
stopped.
For patients using an ophthalmic solution or suspension
(eye drop) form
of this medicine:
-
If you are using a suspension form of this medicine, always shake
the container very well just before applying the eye drops.
-
To use:
-
First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger
gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away
from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of
the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and
apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2
minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
-
If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly,
use another drop.
-
Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove
any medicine that may be on them.
-
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the dropper
or the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Always keep the
container tightly closed.
For patients using an ointment form
of this
medicine:
-
To use:
-
First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger
gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away
from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space.
A 1-cm (approximately 1/3 inch) strip of ointment is usually enough,
unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go
of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes
to allow the medicine to come into contact with the irritation.
-
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator
tip to any surface (including the eye). After using the eye ointment, wipe
the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue. Do not wash the tip with
water. Always keep the tube tightly closed.
Do not use corticosteroids more often or for a longer
time than your doctor ordered
. To do so may increase the chance of
side effects, especially in children 2 years of age or younger.
Do not use any leftover medicine for future eye problems
without first checking with your doctor
. This medicine should not be
used if certain kinds of infections are present. To do so may make the infection
worse and possibly lead to eye damage.
Dosing - The dose of ophthalmic corticosteroids will
be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's
orders or the directions on the label
. The following information includes
only the average doses of ophthalmic corticosteroids. If your dose is different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells
you to do so.
For betamethasone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
dosage
form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye every one
or two hours, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
For dexamethasone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic ointment
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use the ointment in the eye three or four
times a day, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
-
For ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
dosage
form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye up to six
times a day.
-
For ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye four to
six times a day.
For fluorometholone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic ointment
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use the ointment in the eye one to three
times a day.
-
For ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye two to
four times a day.
For hydrocortisone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic ointment
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use the ointment in the eye three or four
times a day, then space the doses further apart as the eye gets better.
For medrysone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use one drop in the eye up to every four
hours.
For prednisolone
-
For eye disorders:
-
For ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
dosage
form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye up to six
times a day.
-
For ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
dosage form:
-
Adults and children - Use one or two drops in the eye two to
four times a day.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as
soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Keep the medicine from freezing.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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