This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dexamethasone eye drops are a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid). Steroids are copies of a hormone your body makes naturally. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
They're used to treat eye inflammation by reducing swelling, redness and irritation. These can be symptoms of eye injuries, surgery, or damage caused by severe allergies or chemicals.
It's also safe to use dexamethasone eye drops in the ear but only when you've been advised to do so by a doctor.
Dexamethasone eye drops come in eye-drop bottles, which may have a preservative in them, or in single dose droppers that are preservative-free. It's available on prescription only.
Dexamethasone eye drops and ointment are also available combined with antibiotics to treat eye inflammation and infection. Brand names include Maxitrol, Sofradex or Tobradex for eyes and Sofradex or Otomize for ears.
Dexamethasone also comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, and injections. These are used to treat severe allergy symptoms, croup and lupus. It is also used in hospitals for severe cases of COVID-19 and other serious infections.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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