Indications
Rimexolone eye drops are used to treat inflammation inside the eye after eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, and to treat anterior uveitis, an inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (iris) and nearby tissue that causes pain, redness and light sensitivity.
How It Works
Rimexolone is a corticosteroid (a man-made version of a natural hormone that calms inflammation). It reduces the release of chemicals that cause swelling, redness and pain in the eye tissues. It is thought to raise eye pressure less than some stronger steroid drops, but this can still happen.
Dosage and Administration
Use as prescribed by your eye doctor. The number of drops per day depends on the condition and is often higher at the start and then reduced gradually. Shake the bottle well before use. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put the drop in without touching the eye with the tip. Close the eye and press gently on the inner corner for about a minute. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back. Do not stop suddenly; your doctor will tell you how to reduce the dose.
Interactions
Few interactions are expected because little is absorbed. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Tell your doctor if you take other steroid medicines or medicines for glaucoma.
Contraindications
Do not use Rimexolone if you are allergic to it, or if you have an untreated eye infection caused by viruses (such as herpes simplex keratitis or chickenpox), fungi or tuberculosis, or a bacterial eye infection that is not being treated.
Side Effects
Common side effects include blurred vision for a short time after the drop, eye discomfort, a feeling of something in the eye, redness, itching and a bad taste. Longer use can raise the pressure inside the eye (which may damage the optic nerve), cause cataracts, delay healing or make eye infections more likely.
Get urgent medical help if you have sudden eye pain, a marked loss or change in vision, seeing haloes around lights, a discharge from the eye, worsening redness, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the eyelids or face.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor feels it is needed. Pressing on the inner corner of the eye after the drop reduces the amount reaching the body.
Precautions and Warnings
If you use it for more than about 10 days, your eye doctor should check your eye pressure regularly. Take extra care if you have glaucoma or a thin cornea. Do not drive until your vision is clear. Do not share the bottle and discard it 4 weeks after opening, or as directed on the label.
Overdose
Too many drops in the eye are unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water if needed. If the drops are swallowed by accident, contact a doctor or pharmacist.
Therapeutic Class
Ophthalmic corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory eye drop).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and do not freeze.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.