dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Corticosteroid and fluoroquinolone antibiotic combination
Licensed role
Eye care following cataract surgery in adults
Route
For use in the eye only
Contact lenses
Do not wear them during treatment following cataract surgery
Driving
Wait until blurred vision has cleared
What is dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate used for?
The product is licensed in adults following cataract surgery.
Prevention and treatment of postoperative eye inflammation
Prevention of infection associated with cataract surgery
How does dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate work?
Levofloxacin blocks bacterial enzymes needed to copy and maintain DNA. Dexamethasone reduces inflammatory signalling and movement of immune cells into eye tissues.
dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 1 mg/mL + 5 mg/mL
How to take dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate
Use only in the affected eye as prescribed. Wash your hands, avoid touching the bottle tip, and replace the cap promptly. After application, gently press the corner of the eye beside the nose to reduce absorption into the body. Use eye ointment after eye drops. Do not drive or operate machinery until blurred vision clears.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment after cataract surgery.
Keep the bottle tightly closed and discard it 28 days after opening.
Do not inject or swallow the solution.
dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Eye discomfort, irritation, burning, stinging or itching
- Temporary blurred or reduced vision
- Mucus or an unusual sensation in the eye
- Increased pressure inside the eye
- Headache or altered taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Persistent or worsening visual disturbance, eye pain or signs of glaucoma
- Delayed corneal healing, ulceration or perforation
- New or worsening eye infection
- Tendon pain, inflammation or rupture
- Systemic corticosteroid excess or adrenal suppression, particularly after intensive or prolonged exposure
dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited. The product is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, unless a specialist or prescriber judges that the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy before use.
dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate while breastfeeding
A risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. A prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the need for treatment and decide whether breastfeeding or the drops should be interrupted.
dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate interactions
Systemic interactions are generally unlikely after use in the eye, but some combinations require attention.
Topical ocular NSAIDs
Combined use with an ocular corticosteroid may increase the risk of delayed corneal healing.
Ritonavir or cobicistat
These may reduce dexamethasone clearance and increase systemic corticosteroid effects. Avoid unless the benefit outweighs the risk and monitor when necessary.
Other eye drops or ointments
Apply eye ointments last.
Common questions about dexamethasone sodium phosphate + levofloxacin hemihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it an antibiotic or a steroid?
It is both: levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and dexamethasone is a corticosteroid.
Can children use these eye drops?
They are not recommended below 18 years because safety and efficacy have not been established.
Can these drops blur vision?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.