Minims* Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1% w/v
About Minims Dexamethasone
The name of your medicine is Minims Dexamethasone. Every Minims unit contains the active ingredient dexamethasone sodium phosphate at a concentration of 0.1% w/v. It also contains purified water, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium edetate. One Minims unit consists of a plastic cap and body contained in a sachet. Each Minims unit is a sterile, single-use container which holds approximately 0.5ml of solution. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a type of corticosteroid which is used to reduce inflammation within the eye.
Who makes it?
Minims Dexamethasone is manufactured by
The Marketing Authorisation for Minims Dexamethasone (PL 0033/0153) is held by
What is Minims Dexamethasone for?
Sometimes part of the eye may become inflamed (red and painful) or may become damaged, either accidentally or following surgery to the eye. The part of the eye affected will vary depending on the cause. Minims Dexamethasone can be used to treat inflammation of the eye, as long as it is not infected.
Your doctor may sometimes use other drugs at the same time as Minims Dexamethasone to make sure that your eye is treated effectively.
Before using Minims Dexamethasone
Are you allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the section “About Minims Dexamethasone” above?
Do you have glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye) or are you at risk of developing it? Your doctor will check for this.
Do you have an eye infection?
Do you wear contact lenses (these should be removed during treatment with this product)?
If any of the above apply to you then inform your doctor or eye specialist before starting treatment.
If you are pregnant (or if you think that you might be pregnant) or if you are breastfeeding you should tell your doctor or eye specialist before Minims Dexamethasone is used. It is possible that you may still receive this medicine, but it is also possible that an alternative may be used.
In children, continuous, long term use of corticosteroid eye drops should be avoided.
Your eyesight may become blurred for a short time following the use of this eye drop. You must not drive or operate hazardous machinery until your eyesight has returned to normal.
Reaction of Minims Dexamethasone with other drugs
If you are already using eye drops to treat glaucoma it is possible that the dose may need to be adjusted if you are prescribed Minims Dexamethasone.
You should tell your doctor or eye specialist if you are taking any other eye drops, medicines or tablets, so that these can be taken into account before this eye drop is given to you.
Using Minims Dexamethasone
In adults the usual dose of Minims Dexamethasone is one or two drops in one or both eyes up to six times a day. If your eye problem is severe you may be asked to use this eye drop more frequently at first. The frequency can then be reduced as the eye gets better. More detailed instructions will be given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you follow these instructions carefully.
In children, the dose will vary according to age and size.
If you are putting in your own eye drops then follow these instructions closely.
- 1. Wash your hands thoroughly, peel the overwrap apart and take out the Minims unit.
- 2. Twist off the cap.
- 3. Look upwards and gently pull down the lower eyelid with one hand.
- 4. Hold the Minims unit just above your eye with the other hand and gently squeeze until a drop of liquid falls into the gap between your eyeball and lower eyelid.
- 5. Release the lower eyelid and press gently on the inner corner of your eye for a minute or so. This will help stop the solution draining away into your nose and throat.
- 6. Throw away the rest of the Minims unit when you have finished, even if some solution remains.
It is very unlikely that you will suffer an overdose after using this eye drop, but if you do suddenly feel unwell after using these eye drops, contact your doctor or the nearest casualty department immediately.
If you forget to take a dose of Minims Dexamethasone, use it as soon as you remember and then carry on as before.
After using Minims Dexamethasone
Most people who are treated with these eye drops do not suffer from any unwanted side effects. Occasionally this medicine may cause temporary stinging, burning, redness or watering of the eyes.
Long term, frequent use of corticosteroids can lead to the formation of cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye). Topical corticosteroids should not be used for longer than one week except under ophthalmic supervision. Other problems can also occur with this medicine. You should consult your doctor if you become aware of any changes in your eyesight.
It is possible that some of the solution may be absorbed into the general circulation of the body following administration to the eye. It is unlikely, however, that this will have any unwanted effect on the body because so little of the eye drop is absorbed through the eye. The action of pressing on the inner part of the eye when adding the drops will also help to reduce this absorption even further.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any unwanted effects which are not already mentioned in this leaflet when using this eye drop.
Storing Minims Dexamethasone
- The expiry date is printed on each Minims sachet and on the carton label. Do not use it after this date.
- Minims Dexamethasone should be stored below 25°C.
- The Minims unit should be discarded immediately after use, even if some solution remains.
Remember this medicine is only for you. Never give it to anybody else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
This leaflet applies only to Minims Dexamethasone, but it does not contain all the information known about it. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Date of Partial Revision: August 2002
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