Kedex Eye Drop: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe eye pain that is getting worse instead of better.
- Sudden decrease or loss of vision.
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge from the eye.
- A white spot or ulcer appearing on the cornea.
- Severe headache with nausea, halos around lights, or eye pain suggesting high eye pressure.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising elsewhere in the body.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is kedex eye drop used for?
This medicine is a prescription eye drop that combines ketorolac 0.5% w/v and dexamethasone 0.1% w/v. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in the eye, most often after eye surgery. It works by blocking pain-causing prostaglandins and by suppressing the immune response that drives swelling. It must be used exactly as prescribed and for no longer than the eye doctor advises, because the steroid component can raise eye pressure and increase the risk of infection.
- Generic Name: Ketorolac (0.5% w/v) + Dexamethasone (0.1% w/v)
- Manufacturer: Optica Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 kedex eye drop के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एक प्रिस्क्रिप्शन आई ड्रॉप है जिसमें कीटोरोलैक 0.5% w/v और डेक्सामेथासोन 0.1% w/v शामिल हैं। इसका उपयोग आंख की सर्जरी के बाद होने वाले दर्द, सूजन और लालिमा को कम करने के लिए किया जाता है। कीटोरोलैक दर्द पैदा करने वाले प्रोस्टाग्लैंडिन को कम करता है, जबकि डेक्सामेथासोन सूजन और प्रतिरक्षा प्रतिक्रिया को दबाता है। यह दवा आंख की कुछ सूजन वाली बीमारियों में भी डॉक्टर की सलाह पर दी जा सकती है। इसे डॉक्टर के बताए समय और मात्रा से ही डालें। लंबे समय तक इस्तेमाल करने से आंख का दबाव बढ़ सकता है, मोतियाबिंद हो सकता है और संक्रमण का खतरा बढ़ सकता है। इसलिए बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के इसे न रोकें और न ही जारी रखें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा को आंख में डालने पर कुछ देर के लिए जलन, चुभन या खुजली महसूस हो सकती है। कुछ लोगों को धुंधला दिखाई दे सकता है, जो आमतौर पर कुछ मिनट में ठीक हो जाता है। आंख में लालिमा या विदेशी वस्तु जैसा महसूस होना भी आम है। गंभीर मामलों में आंख का दबाव बढ़ना, कॉर्निया में नुकसान, संक्रमण या एलर्जी हो सकती है। अगर आंख में तेज दर्द, अचानक दिखाई देना कम होना, पस या सूजन दिखे, तो तुरंत आंख के डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डालने से पहले और बाद में हाथ अच्छी तरह धोएं। सिर को पीछे झुकाएं, निचली पलक को धीरे से नीचे खींचें और बोतल की नोक को आंख या पलक से छुए बिना एक बूंद आंख में डालें। आंख बंद करके एक मिनट तक नाक के कोने को हल्के से दबाएं। कॉन्टैक्ट लेंस पहनते हैं तो दवा डालने से पहले उतार दें और कम से कम पंद्रह मिनट बाद ही वापस लगाएं। दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए समय से ज्यादा न इस्तेमाल करें। बोतल को ठंडी, सूखी जगह पर रखें और धूप से बचाएं। बच्चों और पालतू जानवरों से दूर रखें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 kedex eye drop Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Postoperative ocular inflammation after cataract surgery","description":"This medicine is used to reduce pain, redness, and swelling in the eye after cataract removal and intraocular lens placement.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Postoperative pain and inflammation after corneal refractive surgery","description":"It helps control discomfort and inflammatory response following procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Postoperative inflammation after other ocular surgeries","description":"It may be prescribed after certain glaucoma, corneal, or vitreoretinal procedures to limit inflammation and improve comfort.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Non-surgical anterior segment inflammation","description":"In selected cases, a clinician may use this combination to treat inflammatory conditions of the front of the eye when both NSAID and steroid effects are desired.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Allergic conjunctivitis with significant inflammation","description":"Sometimes used short-term for severe allergic eye inflammation when standard antihistamine drops are not enough, but this is not a routine first choice.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Pain after corneal abrasion","description":"May be considered by an eye doctor for short-term pain and inflammation control after a corneal abrasion, but topical NSAIDs can rarely slow healing.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Postoperative ocular inflammation and pain
Also treats: Post-cataract surgery inflammation, Post-refractive surgery pain, Post-corneal surgery inflammation, Selected non-surgical anterior segment inflammatory conditions
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ketorolac (0.5% w/v) + Dexamethasone (0.1% w/v) |
| Brand Name | kedex eye drop |
| Manufacturer | Optica Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Ophthalmic |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Protect it from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Do not freeze the bottle. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the bottle and carton. Once the bottle has been opened, follow the discard instructions given by your eye doctor or pharmacist, because opened eye drops can become contaminated over time. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works through two complementary pathways. Ketorolac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are needed to convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and related inflammatory mediators. By lowering prostaglandin levels in the eye, ketorolac reduces pain, vascular leakage, and leukocyte migration. Dexamethasone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and moves into the nucleus, where it changes gene transcription. This leads to increased production of anti-inflammatory proteins and decreased production of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and adhesion molecules. The result is broad suppression of ocular inflammation, including reduced capillary dilation, less edema, and diminished immune cell activity in the conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior chamber.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take kedex eye drop
Strength: Ophthalmic solution containing ketorolac 0.5% w/v and dexamethasone 0.1% w/v.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one drop placed in the affected eye or eyes as often as directed by the eye doctor. A common schedule after eye surgery is one drop four times a day, but the exact frequency and duration depend on the type of surgery, the amount of inflammation, and the patient's response. Some eye doctors may ask for more frequent use in the first few days and then taper the dose. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and the presence of other eye or systemic conditions. Do not change the schedule on your own, and do not use the medicine for longer than prescribed. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric ophthalmologist or a qualified clinician for appropriate use in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may use this medicine when prescribed, but they are more likely to have glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, or reduced kidney function. These conditions can increase the risk of steroid-related eye pressure rise and other side effects. Eye pressure and eye health should be checked regularly during treatment, and the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | The amount of ketorolac and dexamethasone absorbed into the bloodstream after ophthalmic use is small, so dose adjustment is usually not needed for mild kidney problems. Patients with severe kidney disease or those taking other kidney-stressing medicines should inform their doctor, because systemic NSAID exposure can affect kidney function. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Both ketorolac and dexamethasone are metabolized in the liver, but the systemic exposure from eye drops is low. Dose adjustment is usually not required for mild liver disease. Patients with severe liver disease should tell their doctor, and the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not a fixed number for this eye drop because it depends on the prescribed schedule and the condition being treated. Do not exceed the number of drops per day that your eye doctor has prescribed. Using more drops than directed does not improve results and can increase the risk of side effects. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of kedex eye drop
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Other topical ophthalmic NSAIDs | Major | |
| Other topical ophthalmic corticosteroids | Major | |
| Live attenuated vaccines | Major | |
| Oral NSAIDs | Moderate | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Clopidogrel | Moderate | |
| Ketoconazole | Moderate | |
| Ritonavir | Moderate | |
| Antihypertensives | Minor | |
| Lithium | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other topical ophthalmic NSAIDs
- Other topical ophthalmic corticosteroids
- Live attenuated vaccines
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin
- Antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or ritonavir
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol does not directly interact with this eye drop in a way that changes its ocular effect. However, alcohol can increase bleeding risk when NSAIDs are absorbed systemically, and it can worsen dehydration and dizziness. It is best to limit alcohol while using this medicine, especially after eye surgery, because alcohol may also interfere with healing and increase the chance of accidental eye rubbing.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to ketorolac, dexamethasone, or any other ingredient in this product.","Active viral, fungal, or untreated bacterial eye infection.","Active herpes simplex keratitis or a history of herpes simplex keratitis, because steroids can worsen it.","Untreated glaucoma or a history of steroid-induced increase in intraocular pressure.","Use in children below the age approved by the prescribing eye doctor, unless specifically directed.","Use while wearing soft contact lenses, unless the eye doctor has given different instructions."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine contains a corticosteroid, so it can raise intraocular pressure and cause glaucoma or cataracts if used for a long time.","Steroids can mask, worsen, or activate eye infections. Do not use this medicine if you have an untreated eye infection.","Topical NSAIDs can rarely cause corneal melting or perforation, especially after complex eye surgery or in patients with corneal disease.","Do not touch the bottle tip to the eye or any surface, because this can contaminate the solution and cause infection.","Do not use this medicine for longer than your eye doctor has prescribed.","Tell your eye doctor if you have diabetes, glaucoma, a weakened immune system, or a history of eye infections.","Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least fifteen minutes before reinserting them, unless told otherwise.","If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using this medicine."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Only a very small amount of ketorolac or dexamethasone is expected to pass into breast milk after ophthalmic use. The amount is likely too low to harm a nursing infant, but there is limited published data. To reduce infant exposure, press the inner corner of the eye after instilling the drop. Breastfeeding mothers should confirm with their doctor before using this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose from an eye drop is unlikely because the volume in the bottle is small and only a tiny amount is absorbed. If a child or adult accidentally swallows the contents of the bottle, rinse the mouth and contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately. If too many drops are placed in the eye, rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline and contact your eye doctor. Do not try to make yourself vomit unless a medical professional tells you to do so.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, provided that the next scheduled dose is not too close. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not put in extra drops to make up for a missed dose, because this can increase the risk of side effects.
Additional Safety Advice
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after putting in this medicine. Tilt your head back, pull the lower eyelid down gently to form a small pocket, and place one drop inside the pocket without letting the bottle tip touch your eye, eyelashes, or fingers. Close your eye gently for about one minute and press the inner corner of the eye near the nose to reduce drainage into the throat. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine and wait at least fifteen minutes before putting them back, unless your eye doctor has told you otherwise. Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed because prolonged steroid exposure can raise eye pressure and cause cataracts. Do not share your bottle with anyone else, and do not use leftover drops for a different eye problem later. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and store it according to the label. Tell your eye doctor about all other eye drops, oral medicines, and health conditions you have, especially diabetes, glaucoma, or a weakened immune system. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using this medicine.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more likely to have glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and reduced kidney function. These conditions increase the risk of steroid-related eye pressure rise and other side effects. Eye pressure and eye health should be checked regularly during treatment, and the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are trying to conceive or are planning pregnancy, tell your eye doctor before using this medicine. Short-term use may be acceptable when clearly needed, but the decision should be made together with your obstetrician and eye doctor. Do not start or stop this medicine on your own during pregnancy planning.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine is often prescribed after cataract surgery, corneal refractive surgery, and other eye procedures. Use it exactly as directed, keep all postoperative visits, and report any increase in pain, redness, or vision loss. Do not rub the eye or get water in it until your surgeon says it is safe.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist if you are using this medicine, especially if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. The amount absorbed from the eye drop is small, but it is still useful for your dental team to know your full medicine list before any procedure.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
After eye surgery, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending forward with strain, and contact sports until your eye doctor says it is safe. These activities can increase pressure in the eye and interfere with healing. Light walking is usually fine, but follow the specific advice given by your surgeon.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause temporary blurred vision for a few minutes after each drop. Wait until your vision is clear before driving, operating machinery, or doing tasks that require sharp eyesight. Most people can return to desk work soon after eye surgery, but jobs involving dust, heavy lifting, or eye strain may need a longer break. Follow your eye doctor's advice about when to return to work.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop this medicine on the date your eye doctor tells you. Do not continue it on your own because of the risk of raised eye pressure, cataract, and infection. If you develop severe eye pain, worsening vision, increasing redness, or a new discharge, stop the medicine and contact your eye doctor immediately. Do not stop or restart the medicine without medical advice.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended unless an eye doctor is closely monitoring the eye. Prolonged exposure to the corticosteroid component can raise intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma and optic nerve damage, and can cause posterior subcapsular cataract. It can also suppress local immunity and increase the risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal eye infections. The NSAID component can rarely cause corneal thinning or delayed healing with extended use. Regular eye pressure checks, slit-lamp examinations, and vision testing are needed if treatment lasts longer than a few weeks.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
An eye doctor may choose a ketorolac-only drop when steroid effects are not needed.
Evidence: Well-establishedA dexamethasone-only or prednisolone drop may be used when stronger anti-inflammatory effect is needed without an NSAID.
Evidence: Well-establishedThese can help comfort and surface lubrication but do not replace prescription anti-inflammatory treatment.
Evidence: SupportiveIn some cases, an oral medicine may be used instead of or along with eye drops, depending on the condition.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Corticosteroids can reduce immune response to vaccines when there is significant systemic exposure. The amount absorbed from this eye drop is usually low, so routine vaccination is generally not affected. However, if you are using this medicine for a long time or at high frequency, discuss the timing of any live vaccine with your doctor.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the bottle or leave it in a hot car.
✅ DO
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the cap off for long periods.
✅ DO
Keep the bottle in its original carton to protect it from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the drops to another unmarked container.
✅ DO
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not store it in a bathroom cabinet where it can get damp and contaminated.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original labeled bottle with the prescription copy or a letter from your eye doctor. Keep it in your hand luggage so it stays at room temperature and does not freeze in the cargo hold. If you are traveling across time zones, continue your drops at the same interval as prescribed, but ask your eye doctor how to adjust the schedule if the time difference is large. Do not transfer the drops into an unmarked container. If you are flying, keep the bottle in a clear plastic bag with other liquids as required by airport security. Check the customs rules of your destination for prescription eye drops, and carry enough supply for the whole trip plus a few extra days.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Pain relief and reduction of redness may begin within 30 to 60 minutes after a drop. The anti-inflammatory effect builds over hours to days with regular use, so it is important to follow the prescribed schedule.
A: Do not stop on your own. Your eye doctor will decide when it is safe to stop or reduce the dose, because stopping too early can allow inflammation to return and stopping too late can increase the risk of side effects.
A: No, this medicine is not habit-forming. It is an anti-inflammatory eye drop, not a narcotic or sedative.
A: Use it only in the eye or eyes your eye doctor has specified. If both eyes need treatment, your doctor will tell you clearly.
A: If the drop misses the eye, you may place another single drop. Do not keep adding many drops, because this can increase side effects.
A: Yes, in many cases artificial tears can be used, but wait at least five minutes between this medicine and the artificial tear unless your eye doctor has given different instructions.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for kedex eye drop
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This eye drop can be used for any red or itchy eye.
Fact: This medicine is a prescription product for specific inflammatory eye conditions, usually after surgery. It is not a general red-eye remedy and can be harmful if used for infections or without medical advice. - Myth: More drops will make the eye heal faster.
Fact: Using more drops than prescribed does not speed up healing and can increase the risk of side effects such as raised eye pressure and delayed healing. - Myth: Steroid eye drops are safe for long-term use.
Fact: Long-term use of steroid eye drops can raise eye pressure, cause cataracts, and increase the risk of eye infections. This medicine should be used only for the duration prescribed by the eye doctor. - Myth: This medicine can be shared with family members who have similar eye problems.
Fact: Eye drops are prescribed for a specific person and condition. Sharing them can spread infection and cause harm because the other person may have a different diagnosis.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ketorolac 0.5% w/v and dexamethasone 0.1% w/v ophthalmic solution
Brand Alternatives
- Kedex eye drop