Dexamethasone is a synthetic drug with a wide spectrum of action, which is used to relieve inflammation and allergic manifestations of various etiologies. However, there are cases when urgent administration of the drug is required. For example, anaphylactic shock. Tablets will not have a quick effect, so injections must be taken. Those who are undergoing treatment or keep the medicine at home “just in case” are interested in the period and storage conditions of dexamethasone before and after opening. We’ll talk about this and how to store dexamethasone in a closed form today.
Best before date
There are different dosage forms of dexamethasone:
- in tablets,
- eye drops,
- solution for injection.
At the same time, for a certain type of drug there are its own storage rules.
- For tablets (there can be 10, 20, 50 pieces in a package), the shelf life of dexamethasone is limited to 5 years. The period is valid provided that the storage standards specified in the instructions are observed.
- The shelf life eye drops (5 and 10 ml) does not exceed 3 years. Their further use is not permitted. It is a colorless, transparent liquid (sometimes with a yellowish tint).
- In the form of an injection , the drug has a concentration of 4 mg/ml and is supplied in cardboard boxes of 10 ampoules. Its shelf life is 2 years from the date of production.
Indications for use
Dexamethasone is prescribed for non-purulent inflammatory diseases of various structures of the eye, including those of an allergic nature. The main indications for the use of hormonal drops in ophthalmology:
- conjunctivitis;
- keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis:
- blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis;
- uveitis;
- inflammation of the optic nerve;
- rehabilitation period after surgery;
- burns of various etiologies.
Drops can be put into the nose for chronic rhinitis, including those caused by allergies. The active substance constricts blood vessels and reduces their permeability, which leads to a decrease in the amount of exudate released.
After opening
How long dexamethasone can be stored after opening depends on its release form.
- Storage of the medicine in tablets takes place taking into account all the manufacturer’s requirements for the period specified in the instructions.
- The shelf life of dexamethasone eye drops after opening is limited to 4 weeks.
- After opening the ampoule with the drug, it should not be stored for longer than 24 hours. In this case, the medicine must be tightly sealed with a sterile piece of cotton wool and kept in the refrigerator. You can draw the remaining liquid into a sterile syringe and tightly close the needle with a protective cap. Then pack it well and put it on the refrigerator shelf.
Forms of release, manufacturer, cost
In ophthalmology, Dexamethasone is used in the form of a solution for topical use; it is produced in plastic dropper bottles.
- The Ukrainian company Farmak offers a 10 ml bottle at an average price of 65 rubles.
- 10 ml of eye drops from the Romanian corporation Rompharm Company will cost 100 rubles.
- Oftan Dexamethasone, a drug with a composition identical to Dexamethasone, is produced in small 5 ml bottles. Manufacturer: Santen Oy, Finland. The average cost of one package of the drug is 210 rubles.
The cardboard package contains 1 bottle of drops, as well as instructions for use. The solution is a white suspension, sometimes of heterogeneous consistency, the presence of a small amount of sediment is allowed.
The shelf life of a sealed bottle is 3 years. Store it in a dark place out of reach of children, the temperature should not exceed 25°C. Once opened, the solution is good for 4 weeks.
The active substance is also included in tablets and injection solutions that are not used in ophthalmology. These forms of the drug are prescribed for inflammatory diseases of various organ systems, as well as in the postoperative period to prevent tissue inflammation and relieve swelling.
Storage conditions
At what temperature should dexamethasone be stored? Depending on the release form and the degree of tightness of the packaging, the storage temperature of the drug can range from +5°C to + 25°C. All the necessary information on how and where to store dexamethasone in ampoules, tablets, drops is in the manufacturer's instructions.
It is strictly forbidden to freeze the drug in any form. This will make it unusable. It is also unacceptable to keep it on sunlit windowsills and where children can reach it.
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is usually well tolerated. It has low mineralocorticoid activity, i.e. its effect on water-electrolyte metabolism is small. As a rule, low and medium doses of Dexamethasone do not cause sodium and water retention in the body or increased potassium excretion.
The following effects are described:
From the endocrine system:
decreased glucose tolerance, steroid diabetes mellitus or manifestation of latent diabetes mellitus, suppression of adrenal function, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome (moon-shaped face, pituitary type, hirsutism, increased blood pressure, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, muscle weakness, stretch marks), delayed sexual development in children .
From the digestive system:
nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, steroid ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, erosive esophagitis, bleeding and perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, increased and decreased appetite, indigestion, flatulence, hiccups. In rare cases, increased activity of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase.
From the cardiovascular system:
arrhythmias, bradycardia (up to cardiac arrest); development (in predisposed patients) or increased severity of heart failure, ECG changes characteristic of hypokalemia, increased blood pressure, hypercoagulation, thrombosis. In patients with acute and subacute myocardial infarction - the spread of necrosis, slowing down the formation of scar tissue, which can lead to rupture of the heart muscle.
From the nervous system
: delirium, disorientation, euphoria, hallucinations, manic-depressive psychosis, depression, paranoia, increased intracranial pressure, nervousness or anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, vertigo, pseudotumor of the cerebellum, headache, convulsions.
From the senses
: sudden loss of vision (with parenteral administration in the head, neck, turbinates, scalp, deposition of drug crystals in the vessels of the eye is possible), posterior subcapsular cataract, increased intraocular pressure with possible damage to the optic nerve, tendency to develop secondary bacterial, fungal or viral eye infections, trophic changes in the cornea, exophthalmos.
From the side of metabolism:
increased calcium excretion, hypocalcemia, weight gain, negative nitrogen balance (increased protein breakdown), increased sweating.
Caused by mineralocorticoid activity - fluid and sodium retention (peripheral edema), hypernatremia, hypokalemic syndrome (hypokalemia, arrhythmia, myalgia or muscle spasm, unusual weakness and fatigue).
From the musculoskeletal system:
slower growth and ossification processes in children (premature closure of epiphyseal growth zones), osteoporosis (very rarely - pathological bone fractures, aseptic necrosis of the head of the femur and humerus), rupture of muscle tendons, steroid myopathy, decreased muscle mass (atrophy).
From the skin and mucous membranes
: delayed wound healing, petechiae, ecchymoses, skin thinning, hyper- or hypopigmentation, acne, stretch marks, tendency to develop pyoderma and candidiasis.
Allergic reactions:
generalized (skin rash, itching, anaphylactic shock), local allergic reactions.
Local:
burning, numbness, pain, tingling, flushing at the injection site, infection at the injection site; rarely - necrosis of surrounding tissues, scar formation at the injection site, atrophy of subcutaneous tissue and skin with intramuscular injection (injection into the deltoid muscle is especially dangerous).
Other: development or exacerbation of infections (the appearance of this side effect is facilitated by jointly used immunosuppressants and vaccination), leukocyturia, flushing syndrome, convulsions.
Is it possible to use an expired drug?
This medication maintains its quality for the entire time indicated on the package. If the storage rules are followed, it can be used without fear even 2 - 3 days before the expiration of the time specified by the manufacturer.
If medications have been stored incorrectly, are past their expiration date, or have been damaged in packaging, their continued use may be hazardous. Or, at a minimum, ineffective in cases where urgent help is required (for example, with pulmonary edema).
Do not use an injection solution in which a precipitate has formed, cloudiness or a change in odor has occurred.
If the storage of deximethasone tablets was incorrect or the protective shells were damaged, they cannot be used for treatment.
The doctor must make all appointments and calculate the dosage of the drug. Self-medication or uncontrolled use of medications can cause serious harm to health. Especially in the presence of concomitant chronic diseases.
Dosage and administration
Treatment with Dexamethasone can only be started after consulting an ophthalmologist. Before use, read the instructions ().
Instill the solution into the conjunctival sac, trying not to touch the tip of the pipette to your hands or eyes.
The dosage will depend on the cause of the disease and the form of its course.
| Indications | Dosage |
| Acute inflammation | For the first 2 days, drop 1-2 drops 4-5 times a day, then reduce the frequency to 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 6-8 days. |
| Chronic inflammation | Duration of therapy is from 3 to 6 weeks. During this time, use the drug 2 times a day, 1-2 drops. |
| Allergic reactions | In the first 2 days, the dosage is the same as for acute inflammation. Over the next 7-14 days, gradually reduce the frequency of use until completely discontinued. |
| Injuries, surgery | Once immediately after surgery or the next day |
| After cataract removal and other operations | The course of treatment begins on the 8th day after surgery and lasts 2-4 weeks. Instill 1-2 drops 2-4 times a day. |
The drug effectively fights inflammatory processes in the eyes, including those caused by allergies.
Before using Dexamethasone, remove contact lenses if you wear them. Benzalkonium chloride, which is included in eye drops, reacts chemically with the lens material and can cause clouding.
The drug may temporarily reduce visual acuity immediately after use.
For 30 minutes after the procedure, do not drive and avoid work that requires increased concentration.
Contraindications and side effects
Before using the product, consult your doctor. It has a number of contraindications:
- viral, fungal infections;
- purulent processes;
- eye tuberculosis;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- age under 6 years;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If the course of treatment lasts more than 14 days, side effects may occur. Hormonal anti-inflammatory drops provoke the development of glaucoma, secondary cataracts, and damage to the optic nerve.
If signs of allergy appear, the doctor decides to change the medication. Characteristic symptoms of a local hypersensitivity reaction are a burning sensation immediately after instillation, profuse lacrimation, and a temporary decrease in visual acuity.
