Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension

Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension 0.1% is a prescription corticosteroid eye drop containing dexamethasone. It is used to treat steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye, including inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva, and anterior segment. This medication reduces inflammation but may slow healing if used for extended periods.

Below is a quick overview of important facts for patients and caregivers:

Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension (dexamethasone) is indicated for steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the:

• Palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva
• Cornea
• Anterior segment of the eye

These conditions may include:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Acne rosacea (when associated with ocular inflammation)
• Cyclitis
• Iritis
• Herpes zoster keratitis
• Superficial punctate keratitis
• Inflammation following penetration of foreign bodies
• Corneal injury from radiation, chemical, or thermal burns
• Selected infective conjunctivitides (when the inherent risks of steroid use are accepted to reduce inflammation)

Maxidex contains dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that works by:

• Inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances (such as cytokines and prostaglandins).
• Reducing swelling, redness, and irritation in the eye tissues.
• Suppressing immune cell activity that contributes to inflammation.
• Stabilizing cell membranes and decreasing capillary permeability.

By reducing the inflammatory response, Maxidex helps relieve swelling and irritation in the eye. However, because it suppresses immune activity, prolonged use may enhance the risk of infection or delay healing.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. General guidelines include:

• Shake well before use. Wash your hands before and after application.
• Tilt your head backward and carefully pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Instill 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac as prescribed.
• Close your eye gently after applying the drops.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to prevent contamination.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while using this medication.
• If using other ophthalmic products, wait at least 5 minutes between medications.

It is recommended to shake well before using. General dosing instructions:

• Instill 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s).
• In mild disease, use up to 4-6 times daily.
• In severe disease, drops may be used hourly.
• The dosage should then be gradually tapered as inflammation subsides.

Important:

• Not more than one bottle should be prescribed initially.
• The prescription should not be refilled without further medical evaluation.
• If used for 10 days or longer, IOP (intraocular pressure) should be monitored.

What If You Use Too Much Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension?

Using more drops than prescribed may increase the risk of side effects, including elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataract formation, or delayed healing. If too many drops are applied, gently rinse the eye with sterile saline or clean water. If Maxidex is accidentally swallowed or a large amount is used, contact a healthcare provider or a poison control center.

This medication may cause side effects, some of which can be serious.

Common Side Effects

Commonly reported Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension side effects are listed below:

• Ocular discomfort
• Eye irritation
• Mild eye pain

Less commonly reported effects include:

• Dry eye
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Foreign body sensation
• Eye itching
• Increased tearing
• Ocular redness

Serious Side Effects

Prolonged or improper use may lead to serious complications, including:

• Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Glaucoma with optic nerve damage
• Visual field defects
• Posterior subcapsular cataract formation
• Secondary eye infections
• Corneal perforation in patients with corneal thinning

Rare systemic effects, including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression, have been reported with excessive or prolonged use, particularly in children or in patients using certain interacting medications. This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about adverse reactions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit MedWatch.

While using this medication, the following warnings should be considered:

• Increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma: Prolonged use may result in ocular hypertension, optic nerve damage, visual field defects, and glaucoma. Intraocular pressure should be monitored if the medication is used for 10 days or longer.
• Cataract formation: Extended use may lead to posterior subcapsular cataract formation.
• Secondary infections: Corticosteroids may suppress the immune response, increasing the risk of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections of the eye.
• Masking of infection: In acute purulent or parasitic eye infections, corticosteroids may mask or worsen existing infections.
• Corneal or scleral thinning: In conditions that cause thinning of the sclera or cornea, perforation has been reported with topical corticosteroid use.
• Herpes simplex caution: Use in herpes simplex infections (other than epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, where it is contraindicated) requires extreme caution and close ophthalmic monitoring.

General precautions include:

• For topical ophthalmic use only.
• Chronic fungal infections of the cornea should be considered after prolonged corticosteroid use.
• If signs and symptoms do not improve within 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated.
• Initial prescriptions and refills should be based on proper ophthalmic examination (e.g., slit-lamp evaluation).
• Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses during treatment, as benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by contact lenses.
• If used longer than 10 days, intraocular pressure should be monitored.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy:

Dexamethasone has demonstrated teratogenic effects in animal studies. Maxidex should be used during pregnancy only if the potential advantages justify the potential risk to the fetus. Prolonged or repeated corticosteroid use during pregnancy may be associated with intrauterine growth restriction.

Breastfeeding:

Caution should be exercised when administering Maxidex to nursing women, as systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic use results in detectable levels in breast milk.

Systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is generally low, but interactions may occur in certain situations:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., certain antifungals, macrolides, antivirals) may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure, particularly with prolonged use or in children.
• Other immunosuppressive therapies: Concomitant use with other immunosuppressants may further suppress the immune response and increase the risk of infection.
• Prolonged or excessive use: Higher-than-recommended dosing may increase the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements before starting treatment.

Other ophthalmic corticosteroids may be prescribed depending on the type and severity of inflammation, the response to therapy, and individual risk factors such as a history of glaucoma or cataracts.

Brand availability may vary by location and supply. Treatment selection should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the severity of inflammation, intraocular pressure risk, surgical history, and patient-specific factors.

Prescription ophthalmic medications may be costly at many U.S. retail pharmacies. Ordering Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension online from Polar Bear Meds helps reduce overall costs while maintaining safety, quality, and reliability.

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• Shipping timelines may vary depending on processing requirements and location.
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• U.S. customers can order with a valid prescription.
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All Maxidex Ophthalmic Suspension orders require a valid prescription. Medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies that comply with applicable pharmacy regulations and safety standards.

• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/013422s049lbl.pdf
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=35e47fcd-e020-43e5-8322-41f8060d220d