Maxidex Ointment

What is Maxidex and how is it used?

Maxidex (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) Ointment is an adrenocortical steroid used for steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe. These include:

• allergic conjunctivitis,
• acne rosacea,
• superficial punctate keratits,
• herpes zoster keratitis,
• iritis,
• cyclitis,
• selected infective conjunctivities when the inherent hazard of steroid use is accepted to obtain an advisable diminution in edema and inflammation;
• corneal injury from chemical or thermal burns,
• or penetration of foreign bodies.

What are side effects of Maxidex?

Common side effects of Maxidex Ointment include:

• glaucoma with optic nerve damage,
• vision problems,
• cataracts,
• secondary eye infections,
• and perforation of the outer membranes of the eye.

DESCRIPTION

MAXIDEX® (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) is an adrenocortical steroid prepared as a sterile ophthalmic ointment. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure:

Established Name

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate

Chemical Name

Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-16-methyl-21-(phos phonoxy)-, dis odium s alt, (11β,16α)-.

Each gram contains:

Active: Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate equivalent to Dexamethasone Phosphate 0.5 mg (0.05%)
Inactive: Mineral Oil.

White Petrolatum. DM-00

INDICATIONS

Steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe. These include allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratits, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, selected infective conjunctivities when the inherent hazard of steroid use is accepted to obtain an advisable diminution in edema and inflammation; corneal injury from chemical or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The duration of treatment will vary with the type of lesion and may extend from a few days to several weeks, according to therapeutic response. Relapses, more common in chronic active lesions than in self-limited conditions, usually respond to treatment. Apply a one-half to one inch ribbon of ointment into the conjunctival sac(s) up to four times daily. When a favorable response is observed, dosage may be reduced gradually to once a day application for several days. MAXIDEX Ointment may be used in conjunction with MAXIDEX suspension.

How To Apply Maxidex Ointment

1. Tilt your head back.
2. Place a finger on your cheek just under your eye and gently pull down until a “V” pocket is formed between your eyeball and your lower lid.
3. Place a small amount (about ½ inch) of MAXIDEX in the “V” pocket. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.
4. Look downward before closing your eye.

HOW SUPPLIED

In 3.5g ophthalmic tubes.

NDC 0065-0616-35

Storage

Store at 8° - 27°C (46° to 80°F).

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law prohibits dispensing without prescription.

Ophthalmic, Alcon Laboratories , Inc., Fort Worth, Texas 76134. Revised: Dec 2006

SIDE EFFECTS

The following adverse reactions have been reported: glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infections from pathogens including herpes simplex, and perforation of the globe. Rarely, filtering blebs have been reported when topical steroids have been used following cataract surgery. Rarely, stinging or burning may occur.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No Information provided

WARNINGS

Prolonged use may result in ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Prolonged use may suppress the host response an thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids. In acute purulent conditions of the eye, corticosteroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. If these products are used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be routinely monitored even though it may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients. Employment of corticosteroid medication in the treatment of herpes simplex other than epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, in which it is contraindicated, requires great caution; periodic slit-lamp microscopy is essential.

PRECAUTIONS

General

The possibility of persistent fungal infections of the cornea should be considered after prolonged corticosteroid dosing.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of MAXIDEX® Ointment.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Dexamethasone has been shown to be teratogenic in mice and rabbits following topical ophthalmic application in multiples of the therapeutic dose.

In the mouse, corticosteroids produce fetal resorptions and a specific abnormality, cleft palate. In the rabbit, corticosteroids have produced fetal resorptions and multiple abnormalities involving the head, ears, limbs, palate, etc.

There are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. MAXIDEX Ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be observed carefully for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Nursing Mothers

Topically applied steroids are absorbed systemically. Therefore, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from dexamethasone sodium phosphate, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

OVERDOSE

No Information provided

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindicated in epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis); fungal diseases of ocular structures; acute infectious stages of vaccinia, varicella and many other viral disease of the cornea and conjunctiva; mycobacterial infection of the eye and in those persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate suppresses the inflammatory response to a variety of agents and it probably delays or slows healing. No generally accepted explanation of these steroid properties has been advanced.

PATIENT INFORMATION

Do not touch tube tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the contents.