It diffuses across cell membranes and forms a complex with
specific cytoplasmic receptors. These complexes then enter the cell
nucleus, binds to DNA, and stimulate transcription of messenger RNA
(mRNA). Messenger RNA leads to protein synthesis of various enzymes
that are responsible for the effects of systemic corticosteroids
Drug Indication
Allergic conditions; rheumatic arthritis; nephrotic
syndrome; collagen diseases; fulminating SLE; bronchial asthma; status
asthmaticus; severe chronic bronchial asthma; chronic ulcerative
colitis; thrombocytopenia; organ transplant; shock (cardiogenic /
traumatic).
Precautions
Patient monitor if used for prolonged use; use the
lowest possible dose; use with caution in patients suffering from
diabetes mellitus; CCF; hypertension; infections; thrombo-embolism;
elderly; ureamia; and chronic renal failure.
Contra-Indications
Hypersensitivity to the drug; systemic fungal
infections; live virus vaccination; IM use in idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura; peptic ulceration; psychosis; osteoporosis;
severe psychoneurosis; TB; ocular herpes simplex; primary glaucoma.
Side Effects
Hypertension; hypersensitivity reactions; muscle mass
loss; osteoporosis; thrombo-embolism; thrombophlebitis; cardiac
arrhythmias; insomnia; fatigue; hyperglyceamia; glaucoma; cushoid
states; steroid psychosis and aggravation of pre-existing psychiatric
conditions; syncopal episodes; GI disorders; impaired wound healing;
thin fragile skin; acne; hirsutism; increased appetite and weight gain;
convulsions; pancreatitis; spontaneous fractures; increased
susceptibility to infections; peptic ulcerati
Dosage
The initial dosage varies from 0.75 to 9 mg a day
depending on the disease being treated.
Pregnancy Category
Category C
Pregnancy Category Description
Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects,
or may be suspected of causing detrimental effects on human foetus or
neonates without causing malfunctions. These effects may be
reversible
2. Dexamethasone / Gentamicin
ear & eye drops
Drug Indication
Inflammatory ear conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
For short use only
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Dosage
3-4 drops 2-4 times daily. Saturated wick may be used
and changed daily.
Drug Category
DRUGS ACTING ON CNS
Drug Sub-Category
Drugs acting in the ear
Brand Name
Manufacturer Name
Distributor
Drug Strength
Packaging
Formulation
Formulation Strength
Price
Gendex
Biodeal Laboratories Ltd.
Biodeal Laboratories Ltd.
5ml
ear drops
KES 80
Gendex
Biodeal Laboratories Ltd.
Biodeal Laboratories Ltd.
5ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 30
3. Dexamethasone / Gentamycin
Eye drops/ And Tablets
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Dosage
3-4 drops 2-4 times daily. Saturated wick may be used
and changed daily
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Antibacterial/steroid ophthalmic drugs
Brand Name
Manufacturer Name
Distributor
Drug Strength
Packaging
Formulation
Formulation Strength
Price
Colircusi gentadexa
Cusi Alcon
Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd
10ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 330
Ivydexgent
Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd.
Harley's Limited
5ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 86
Dexa-G
Ursapharm
Globe Pharmacy Ltd.,
20
Tablet
per tablet
KES 200
4. Dexamethasone /
Moxifloxacin
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Antibacterial/steroid ophthalmic drugs
Brand Name
Manufacturer Name
Distributor
Drug Strength
Packaging
Formulation
Formulation Strength
Price
Apdrop DX
Ajanta Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Harley's Limited
3ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 403
5. Dexamethasone / Ofloxacin
eye drops
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Antibacterial/steroid ophthalmic drugs
6. Dexamethasone / Tobramycin
eye drops
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Antibacterial/steroid ophthalmic drugs
Brand Name
Manufacturer Name
Distributor
Drug Strength
Packaging
Formulation
Formulation Strength
Price
Orbidex T
Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Madawa Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
0.1%/0.3%
5ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 147
Tobradex
Alcon Pharmaceuticals
Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd
0.1%/0.3%
5ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 495
Tobradex
Alcon Pharmaceuticals
Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd
0.1%/0.3%
3.5g
eye ointment
KES 510
7. Dexamethasone eye drops
Mode Of Action
It diffuses across cell membranes and forms a complex with
specific cytoplasmic receptors. These complexes then enter the cell
nucleus, binds to DNA, and stimulate transcription of messenger RNA
(mRNA). Messenger RNA leads to protein synthesis of various enzymes
that are responsible for the effects of systemic corticosteroids
Drug Indication
Steroid responsive ocular inflammation
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Secondary glaucoma, defects in visual acuity and
visual field, cataract formation after prolonged use, coneal ulceration
on prolonged use, coneal perforation in presence of diseases that
causes corneal thinning, delay wound healing, development and spreading
of bacterial/ viral / bacterial infections.
Special Information
The indiscriminate prescription of steroid for
undiagnosed Red eye should be avoided as this may be caused by Herpes
Simplex virus. The condition is aggravated by steroids.
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Steroid-only ophthalmic drugs
8. Dexamethasone/
Chloramphenicol eye/ear drops
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Drug Category
OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
Drug Sub-Category
Antibacterial/steroid ophthalmic drugs
Brand Name
Manufacturer Name
Distributor
Drug Strength
Packaging
Formulation
Formulation Strength
Price
Aurocol DM
Aurolab
Medisel Kenya Ltd
0.1%/0.5%
10ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 165.00
Chlordex
West Coast Pharmaceuticals Works Ltd
Ray Pharmaceuticals Ltd
10ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 30
Ivydexnicol
Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd.
Harley's Limited
0.1%/0.5%
5ml
eye drops
per ml
KES 175.00
9. Dexamethasone/
Neomycin/Polymixin B
Drug Indication
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
Dosage
Adult and children 1-2 drops 4-6 drops daily.
Ointment: apply 2 or 3 times daily and at bedtime if drops used during
the day.
Inflammatory eye conditions with possible or presence
of bacterial infections
Precautions
Avoid premature discontinuation, history of herpex
simplex infections, and possibility of induction of corneal abscess,
glaucoma, and fungal keratopathy.
Contra-Indications
Fungal, viral, TB and purulent infections, pregnancy,
perforation of eardrum
Side Effects
Adrenal suppression especially in infants,
super-infection, local irritation
