Oftan Dexamethasone drops are a drug that is widely used in ophthalmology. The drug has a pronounced local anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect. The therapeutic effect is based on the glucocorticosteroid included in the composition. To understand how eye drops work, you need to read the description instructions, as well as consumer opinions about the product.
Composition, form and packaging of the medicine
Oftan Dexamethasone is a clear liquid without a distinct odor or color. Dexamethasone in the form of dexamethasone sodium phosphate is the active ingredient. Additionally, the composition includes several ingredients:
- sodium tetraborate;
- benzalkonium chloride;
- orthoboric acid;
- calcium sodium EDTA;
- injection water.
The medicinal solution is packaged in 5 ml polypropylene bottles with a built-in dropper for more accurate dosing. The bottle is in an original sealed cardboard box. It comes with a package insert with a detailed description of the medicine and instructions for use. Oftan Dexamethasone is produced by the pharmaceutical company Santen from Finland.
Medicinal qualities
Oftan Dexamethasone eye drops belong to the group of glucocorticosteroids for topical use. Dexamethasone is a synthetic substance that provides a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect, which is achieved through:
- stabilization of lysosomal enzymes of leukocyte membranes;
- inhibition of enzyme release;
- obstacles to kininin synthesis;
- inhibition of leukocyte migration;
- impaired antigen recognition;
- suppression of antibody synthesis.
All these properties simultaneously participate in suppressing the inflammatory response in affected tissues.
After applying the drops, the therapeutic effect lasts for 4-8 hours. When applied topically, the components of the drug practically do not penetrate into the systemic bloodstream. At the same time, they penetrate well into the conjunctiva and corneal epithelium, which gives the drops high bioavailability (more than 75%). The drug is excreted from the body in a modified form through the intestines.
special instructions
With prolonged use of the drug, intraocular pressure may increase. Therefore, if the drug is used for more than 2 weeks, it is necessary to monitor intraocular pressure.
Treatment with GCS can smooth out the picture of a bacterial or fungal infection. Therefore, in cases of infectious diseases, Oftan Dexamethasone should be combined with antimicrobial therapy.
Oftan Dexamethasone eye drops contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, which can precipitate in soft contact lenses. Therefore, patients wearing contact lenses should remove them before using drops and put them back no earlier than 15 minutes after instillation.
If allergic reactions develop, the drug should be discontinued.
For diseases involving the posterior parts of the eye, systemic use of the drug is necessary.
Indications for use
Acute and chronic inflammatory processes of the organ of vision are the main indication for use indicated in the instructions. These include:
- conjunctivitis (allergic, non-purulent) – inflammatory lesion of the conjunctiva;
- keratitis – inflammation of the cornea of the eyes;
- blepharitis - inflammation of the edges of the eyelids;
- scleritis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the tissues of the sclera and deeply affects the episcleral vessels;
- keratoconjunctivitis - inflammation affecting the conjunctiva and cornea at the same time;
- blepharoconjunctivitis - inflammation of the edges of the eyelids in combination with damage to the palpebral and orbital conjunctiva;
- episcleritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the episcleral tissue lying between the conjunctiva and the isclera;
- iritis – inflammation of the iris;
- retinitis – inflammation of the retina of the eyes;
- uveitis – intraocular inflammation involving the choroid of the eye;
- Iridocyclitis (anterior uveitis) – inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eyeball.
Read more Maxidex eye drops - instructions for use
Optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, superficial injuries of the cornea of various etiologies are conditions for which Oftan Dexamethasone eye drops are also indicated. Also, the medication is indicated for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for inflammatory phenomena in the period after injuries and surgical interventions. In ENT practice, this eye remedy is sometimes prescribed for otitis media.
Contraindications
Since the drug contains a powerful corticosteroid, it is not prescribed in many cases. The main contraindications include:
- increased intraocular pressure;
- various forms of glaucoma;
- viral pathologies of the conjunctiva, cornea;
- bacterial and fungal damage to the organ of vision;
- acute purulent eye pathologies;
- keratitis caused by herpes simplex;
- eye tuberculosis;
- chicken pox;
- high level of sensitivity to any component of the solution.
Due to the lack of data on the effectiveness and safety of using Oftan Dexamethasone for the treatment of children and adolescents under 18 years of age, the medicine is not prescribed to this category of patients. Pregnant and lactating women are prescribed drops after assessing the possible benefits and risks.
Side effects
Contraindications:
- Inflammation of the cornea simultaneously with herpes, and any viral complication of the cornea, for example, chickenpox.
- Ocular tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis and eye fungus.
- Acute suppuration in the eye, disorders of the corneal epithelium, recent removal of a foreign object from the eye.
- Corneal epitheliopathy.
- High intraocular pressure, glaucoma.
- Age before adulthood. (Safety has not been studied at this time).
- Abnormally high sensitivity to droplets, irritation and pain.
During pregnancy:
The results of clinical tests of Oftan Dexamethasone for pregnant and lactating women are currently not available. Therefore, the medicine is not recommended for use for them.
If the attending physician expects a positive result that exceeds the risk for intrauterine or postpartum development, he can make an appointment, but not more than for a week and a half.
To prevent vision deterioration, you need to take care of your eyes. The following articles may be useful to you for this:
- Eye test at home
- What to do if a lump appears on the eyelid?
- How to instill drops correctly?
Directions for use, doses
Oftan Dexamethasone eye drops are intended for topical use only; taking them orally is strictly prohibited. Standard dosage for inflammatory processes:
- 1-2 drops into the affected eye every 1-2 hours during the acute period (the initial stage of the pathology);
- 1-2 drops up to 3-5 times a day as the condition improves.
Duration of treatment is 14-21 days. Only the attending physician can extend the course after assessing the effectiveness of the therapy.
Flarex
Cost - from 1170 rubles. This analogue inhibits the appearance of edema and fibrin accumulation.
Indications:
- conjunctivitis;
- allergy;
- keratitis;
- blepharitis;
- episcleritis;
- iritis;
- neuritis.
Contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- suppuration;
- acute form of herpetic keratitis;
- tuberculosis;
- glaucoma;
- cannot be used by minors.
Use 1-2 drops 2-4 times a day in each eye under the lower eyelid.
Side effects:
- allergy;
- hyperemia;
- deformation of the cornea due to disease.
Contact lenses should be removed and put on 20 minutes after taking the medicine.
Side effects, overdose
First of all, undesirable consequences appear on the part of the organ of vision. A person may be concerned about:
- itching and burning sensation in the eyes;
- allergic reactions;
- opacification, ulceration, perforation of the cornea;
With long-term use, clouding of the lens, increased intraocular pressure, and the development of steroid cataracts and secondary glaucoma are possible.
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When used correctly, an overdose is unlikely. When it occurs, it manifests itself in the form of local symptoms. There is no specific antidote. The medication should be discontinued and symptomatic therapy should be selected.
pharmachologic effect
GCS for local use in ophthalmology.
The drug has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, anti-exudative effects. Due to some mineralocorticoid effects, dexamethasone may increase intraocular pressure with long-term use.
Dexamethasone also affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
The duration of the anti-inflammatory effect after instillation of 1 drop of the drug is 4-8 hours.
Precautionary measures
Oftan Dexamethasone should not be used simultaneously with quinidine and erythromycin. Drops reduce the effectiveness of drugs that block calcium channels. Additional instructions:
- The duration of therapy for the treatment of pregnant and lactating women should not exceed 10 days.
- It is not recommended to instill a double dose of drops if the previous instillation was missed.
- If there is no improvement in the condition within 3-5 days, you should consult a doctor. Perhaps the drug was chosen incorrectly.
- Contact lenses must be removed before instillation. You can put on the ophthalmic device after 20-30 minutes. Many doctors recommend wearing glasses during therapy.
- If treatment lasts more than 14 days, intraocular pressure monitoring is required.
Due to possible lacrimation and temporary blurred vision after instillation, drops are not recommended for use immediately before driving vehicles or operating mechanical equipment.
Additional Information
Drops are dispensed from pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription sheet from a doctor with stamps and signature. The shelf life of the sealed bottle is 2 years; after opening, the medicinal solution is suitable for treatment for a month. Store the bottle in its original packaging at a temperature of 2-8°C in the refrigerator. Access to the medicine for children and pets is necessarily limited.
The cost of Oftan Dexamethasone eye drops (0.1%, 5 ml) in Russia is 200-250 rubles. In Moscow, the average price is 280 rubles.
Available analogues
Analogues of Oftan Dexamethasone are:
- Medexol;
- Megadexane;
- Maxidex;
- Pharmadex;
- Ozurdex;
- Dexamethasone;
- Dexafar;
- Dexoftan;
- Dexapos;
- Flarex.
Hormonal medications, even relatively safe ones, are not always well tolerated. Therefore, the selection of a substitute should be entrusted only to a specialist. It takes into account the individual characteristics of the body and determines the dosage regimen.
How to take Dexamethasone and Oftan Dexamethasone
The course of treatment depends on many factors: the clinical picture, the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, etc. The doctor selects the dosage and duration of therapy after examining the patient.
According to the instructions, the drops should be instilled behind the lower eyelid. If the disease is acute, the recommended dose is 1-2 drops up to 5 times a day for 2 days. After this, inflammation should decrease, so the frequency of administration is reduced to 3 times a day. This continues for up to 6 days.
Chronic pathologies are treated differently. For 20-40 days, the medicine should be instilled 2 times a day, 1-2 drops.
The same dosage is provided for allergies, but the frequency is increased to 5 times a day, and the duration of treatment does not exceed 48 hours. Then the multiplicity is reduced to 2-3 times. Therapy continues for 7-12 days.
After the operation, drops are prescribed 7 days later. For 2-4 weeks, you need to instill 1 drop up to 4 times a day.
If the patient wears lenses, they will have to be removed before instilling the medicinal solution.
Dexamethasone ointment is also used as prescribed by a doctor. The medicine is applied to the lower eyelid 3 times a day for 10-20 days. For 1 time, it is enough to squeeze out a strip of ointment 1.0-1.5 cm long from the tube.
