Drugs

Exam Prep

Glossary

Handouts

SchoolsNew

Contact Lenses Medications Glossary Calculators Handouts Exam Prep

Disclaimer Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact

Educational resource only — not medical advice. Independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the NBEO®. See our Disclaimer.

Medications›Steroid›Dextenza

Dextenza®

GoodRx

Dexamethasone 0.4 mg · intracanalicular insert

Steroid, Injections & Implants

Approved uses

Ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery

One insert placed in the lower lacrimal punctum, releasing 0.4 mg dexamethasone over up to 30 days

No drop schedule and no patient adherence problem; it resorbs on its own

Ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, age 2 and over

One insert placed in the lower lacrimal punctum, releasing 0.4 mg dexamethasone over up to 30 days

Contraindications

DEXTENZA is contraindicated in patients with active corneal, conjunctival or canalicular infections, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, varicella; mycobacterial infections; fungal diseases of the eye, and dacryocystitis. Active ocular infections.

Available Forms

0.4 mg dexamethasone insert, supplied sterile in a foam carrier within a foil pouch; carton of 10.

Mechanism of Action

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, has been shown to suppress inflammation by inhibiting multiple inflammatory cytokines resulting in decreased edema, fibrin deposition, capillary leakage and migration of inflammatory cells.

Other forms of Dexamethasone

Maxidex®
Ozurdex®

Other Steroid, Injections & Implants drugs

Actemra®
Alrex®
Avastin®
Beovu®
Botox®
Byqlovi®
Durezol®
Durysta®

Browse all medications All Steroid drugs All Injections & Implants drugs

Warnings & Precautions

Intraocular pressure increase: monitor.
Bacterial infections: steroids may mask signs of infection and worsen an existing one.
Viral infections: ocular steroids may prolong the course of, and worsen, herpes simplex keratitis.
Fungal infections: consider fungal invasion in any persistent corneal ulcer where a steroid has been used.
Delayed healing: corticosteroids slow corneal and scleral healing.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions were anterior chamber inflammation and elevations in intraocular pressure.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: No adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Systemic exposure from the insert is low.

Lactation: No data on presence in human milk; systemic levels after insertion are low.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of DEXTENZA for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery have been established in pediatric patients.

Dextenza (Dexamethasone 0.4 mg) | EyeKnow O.D.