Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic is available as an FDA-approved commercial ophthalmic solution and, less commonly, as a compounded formulation, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use in dogs, cats and horses. Available by prescription.
How to Give Your Pet Eye Drops (Ophthalmic Solutions)
Eye drops are liquid medications used to treat your pet’s eye conditions. They’re clear, gentle, and effective with the right technique. With a bit of practice, you and your pet will get the hang of it!
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Start clean to avoid germs.
- Get Your Pet Comfortable: Sit your dog or wrap your cat in a towel (“kitty burrito”) to keep them still. A helper can gently steady the head.
- Clean the Eye (if needed): Use a damp cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe any discharge.
- Position the Bottle: Hold the bottle in your dominant hand. Use the other hand to tilt your pet’s head and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Apply the Drops: Hold the bottle close (but not touching the eye) and squeeze in the prescribed number of drops. Aim for the center of the eye or into the pocket.
- Let Your Pet Blink: Blinking helps spread the medication. Gently blot away excess drops.
- Repeat for the Other Eye (if needed): Use the same care and steps.
- Prevent Rubbing: Hold your pet briefly to stop rubbing. Offer gentle praise or a treat!
- Multiple Eye Meds?: Wait 5–10 minutes between different meds. Use watery drops before thicker ointments, unless told otherwise.
- Store Properly: Recap the bottle and store it as directed (usually at room temp).
"The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. On the FDA-approved human label, the ophthalmic formulation is indicated for inflammatory conditions of the eye.
In veterinary medicine, this formulation is used off-label in dogs, cats and horses to manage ocular inflammation, such as after certain eye injuries or surgery, when there is no corneal ulceration. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing, or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness."
Never use this medication in an eye with a corneal ulcer unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, since corticosteroids can worsen an ulcer and delay healing — your veterinarian will typically confirm there is no ulcer before prescribing it. Reported effects include temporary stinging on application; with prolonged use, increased intraocular pressure and cataract formation have been reported. Contact your veterinarian if your pet's eye appears more painful, cloudy, or if squinting increases.
Yes. It is available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
Both. Mixlab can dispense the FDA-approved commercial ophthalmic solution, or compound the active ingredient into an alternative format if your veterinarian determines that better suits your pet's needs. The decision rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
It is used to reduce inflammation in the eye, such as after certain injuries or surgery, in dogs, cats and horses. Your veterinarian determines whether it's appropriate based on an eye exam.
No, not without your veterinarian's specific direction. This class of medication can worsen a corneal ulcer, so your veterinarian will typically examine the eye first to rule one out.
