What is Maxidex Suspension (Dexamethasone) prescribed for?

This medication is used to treat various eye conditions due to inflammation and injury. Including issues with the ear, that involves swelling, itching and redness on the outside of the ear.

 Maxidex belongs to a drug class known as corticosteroids, which is a medication that is known to ease swelling, itching, redness and allergic reactions. And has been prescribed for many various conditions.

You may be asked to remove any contact lenses while using this medication, take all the medical advice given to you by your doctor.

For the Eyes; To apply the eye drops, make sure to wash your hands first, when you’re ready to use the dropper, do not let it touch your eye or any surface to avoid contamination.

Tilt your head backwards and look up. Then pull down the lower eye lid to create what appears to be a pouch.  Hold the dropper directly over the eye and put in the prescribed amount of drops. When finished, look downward and gently rub your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if your dose is for more than just 1 drop.

Do not rinse the dropper; simply replace the dropper cap after each use.

For your ears; Clean and dry the ear canal for use. It is best to have another person insert the ear drops, to make sure the right amount of drops is given and that the dropper does not touch the ear. To lower any risk of dizziness, it is best to hold the container in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up.

Before applying make sure to wash your hands. When ready lie on your side or tilt your eye upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear, hold the earlobe up and back.

Use this medication to gain the most amount of benefit. And continue to use it until it is completed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Doing so may bring about a return of your condition and worsen or, it may also cause some side effects.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Dexamethasone; or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Also it is best to notify your doctor of your medical history. Inform you doctor if you have had any serious health issues in the past, such as; 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, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; 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. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

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 unlikely but 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: headache, dizziness.

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

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.