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Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic)

Prescription
Ophthalmic Corticosteroid
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Potent glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and cellular immune responses in ocular tissues. Reduces protein exudation, vascular permeability, and fibrin deposition.

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic Corticosteroid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; shake suspension before use; discard 28 days after opening

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for anterior uveitis, post-surgical inflammation, immune-mediated keratitis
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q4–12h (taper)
🐈

Cat

Avoid in cats with FHV-1 keratitis (may exacerbate herpetic disease)
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q6–8h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 4

Strength
Strength
Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature; shake suspension before use; discard 28 days after opening

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Intraocular pressure (baseline and monthly)Corneal fluorescein staining before each refillLens clarity
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Maxidex
Dexasone
TobraDex (combined)

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic)?
Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) is a ophthalmic corticosteroid used in pets. Potent glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and cellular immune responses in ocular tissues. Reduces protein exudation, vascular permeability, and fibrin deposition.
What is Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) used for in pets?
Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for anterior uveitis, post-surgical inflammation, immune-mediated keratitis; Avoid in cats with FHV-1 keratitis (may exacerbate herpetic disease).
What is the Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) is typically dosed as follows — Used for anterior uveitis, post-surgical inflammation, immune-mediated keratitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q4–12h (taper). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) dose for cats?
For cats, Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) is typically dosed as follows — Avoid in cats with FHV-1 keratitis (may exacerbate herpetic disease): undefined undefined Ophthalmic q6–8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) need a prescription?
Yes. Dexamethasone (Ophthalmic) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Ophthalmic Corticosteroid).

Prednisolone Ophthalmic
Rx
Potent glucocorticoid acetate suspension that suppresses inflammatory and immune responses in ocular tissues. Reduces vascular permeability, fibrin deposition, cellular infiltration, and neovascularization. Acetate form penetrates intact corneal epithelium well.
dogcat
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