Deximon Eye Ointment: Complete Guide To Uses, 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
- Sudden loss of vision or severe eye pain
- Worsening redness, swelling, or discharge despite treatment
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Eye injury or foreign body in the eye
- Unexplained bruising, bleeding, or fever
- Severe headache with nausea or visual changes
- Increased eye pressure symptoms such as halos around lights or eye pain
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is paraxin eye ointment used for?
This medicine is a prescription eye ointment that combines chloramphenicol, an antibiotic, with dexamethasone, a steroid. It treats bacterial eye infections that have significant inflammation. It is applied as a thin ribbon inside the lower eyelid, usually one to four times daily, only under an eye doctor's supervision. Do not use it for viral or fungal eye infections, and do not use it longer than prescribed because the steroid can raise eye pressure and hide infection.
- Generic Name: Chloramphenicol (0.5% w/w) + Dexamethasone (0.1% w/w)
- Manufacturer: Abbott
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 paraxin eye ointment के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा आंखों की सूजन और बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाने वाली प्रिस्क्रिप्शन आई ऑइंटमेंट है। इसमें क्लोरैम्फेनिकॉल नामक एंटीबायोटिक और डेक्सामेथासोन नामक स्टेरॉयड होता है। यह बैक्टीरियल कंजंक्टिवाइटिस, पलकों की सूजन और आंखों के संक्रमण से जुड़ी लालिमा और दर्द में राहत देती है। यह दवा सिर्फ आंखों के डॉक्टर की सलाह से ही इस्तेमाल करनी चाहिए। वायरल या फंगल संक्रमण में यह दवा नुकसानदायक हो सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में दवा लगाने के तुरंत बाद धुंधला दिखना, हल्की जलन या चुभन, पलकों पर चिपचिपाहट और आंखों से पानी आना शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को मुंह में कड़वा स्वाद महसूस हो सकता है। लंबे समय तक इस्तेमाल से आंखों का दबाव बढ़ सकता है, संक्रमण बढ़ सकता है या आंखों में फंगल इन्फेक्शन हो सकता है। अगर आंखों में तेज दर्द, अचानक दिखना बंद हो जाना, पलकों में सूजन या गंभीर एलर्जी हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: दवा लगाने से पहले और बाद में हाथ अच्छी तरह धोएं। सिर पीछे झुकाकर नीचे की पलक को हल्का खींचें और उसमें पतली परत के रूप में दवा लगाएं। ट्यूब की नोक को आंख या पलक से न छुएं। आंख बंद करके एक से दो मिनट तक रखें। डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई अवधि से ज्यादा इस्तेमाल न करें। दवा लगाने के तुरंत बाद वाहन न चलाएं क्योंकि धुंधला दिख सकता है। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं या आपको ग्लूकोमा या मोतियाबिंद है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 paraxin eye ointment Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Bacterial conjunctivitis with inflammation","description":"Used to treat bacterial infection of the conjunctiva when significant redness, swelling, and discharge are present.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Blepharitis with bacterial infection","description":"Helps control bacterial infection of the eyelid margins while reducing associated inflammation and crusting.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Bacterial keratitis with inflammation","description":"May be prescribed for certain bacterial corneal infections when an eye specialist decides that the anti-inflammatory effect is needed alongside antibiotic therapy.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Post-operative eye inflammation with infection risk","description":"Sometimes used after eye surgery to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial infection, as directed by the surgeon.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Allergic eye disease with suspected secondary bacterial infection","description":"Occasionally prescribed when allergic inflammation is complicated by a bacterial infection, but this is not a standard first-line use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Bacterial eye infections with inflammation, such as bacterial conjunctivitis with marked swelling.
Also treats: Blepharitis with bacterial infection, Bacterial keratitis with inflammation (specialist use only), Post-operative eye inflammation with infection risk
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chloramphenicol (0.5% w/w) + Dexamethasone (0.1% w/w) |
| Brand Name | paraxin eye ointment |
| Manufacturer | Abbott |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL OTOLOGICALS |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Ophthalmic (topical application to the eye) |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the expiry date printed on the tube and carton. Do not use after the expiry date. Once opened, follow your pharmacist's advice about how long the tube can be used, as contamination risk increases over time. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Topical antibiotic-steroid combinations are generally used only under specialist supervision and are not recommended as first-line therapy for simple conjunctivitis by many public health guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Always follow the advice of your treating eye specialist and local antibiotic stewardship guidelines. |
👨⚕️ 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 mechanisms. Chloramphenicol enters bacterial cells and binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, blocking the enzyme peptidyl transferase. This stops the bacteria from linking amino acids together to form proteins, which prevents them from growing and multiplying. Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors inside cells. This binding reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and it suppresses the movement of immune cells that cause redness, swelling, and pain. The antibiotic controls the bacterial infection while the steroid rapidly calms the inflammatory response, which helps relieve symptoms and supports healing.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take paraxin eye ointment
Strength: Eye ointment containing chloramphenicol 0.5% w/w and dexamethasone 0.1% w/w.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose is a thin ribbon of ointment applied to the affected eye one to four times daily, depending on the severity of the infection and inflammation. Your eye doctor will decide the exact frequency and duration. Apply only to the affected eye unless told otherwise. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not use for longer than prescribed without medical review. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician or eye specialist. This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 2 years unless specifically prescribed by a specialist. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids, especially raised eye pressure and cataract formation. Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest time, and attend regular eye checks. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is usually needed for eye ointment use because systemic absorption is very low. However, if you have severe kidney disease, tell your doctor so they can monitor you appropriately. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is usually needed for eye ointment use because systemic absorption is very low. If you have severe liver disease, tell your doctor so they can monitor you appropriately. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose depends on the prescribed frequency. Do not exceed the frequency recommended by your eye doctor. For educational reference, the usual maximum is a thin ribbon applied up to four times daily, but this must be confirmed by your clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of paraxin eye ointment
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Other corticosteroid eye preparations | Major | |
| Live vaccines | Major | |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| CYP3A4 inducers | Moderate | |
| Other eye medicines | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergic eye drops | Minor | |
| Contact lens solutions | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other corticosteroid eye preparations
- Live vaccines
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin)
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Other eye medicines
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol is not expected to interact directly with this eye ointment because systemic absorption is very low. However, alcohol can cause dehydration and worsen eye dryness or irritation. It is best to avoid heavy alcohol use while your eye is healing, and follow your doctor's advice.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol, dexamethasone, or any component of the ointment","Viral eye infections, including herpes simplex keratitis","Fungal eye infections","Untreated parasitic eye infections","Tuberculosis of the eye","Acute purulent eye infections where the medicine may mask or worsen the condition, unless specifically directed by an eye specialist","Use in children under 2 years unless prescribed by a specialist"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine contains a corticosteroid and can raise intraocular pressure; prolonged use requires eye pressure monitoring.","Corticosteroids can mask signs of infection and allow infection to worsen; use only for the condition prescribed.","Do not use for longer than prescribed without medical review.","Chloramphenicol can rarely cause serious blood disorders; report unusual bruising, bleeding, or fever.","Avoid touching the tube tip to the eye or any surface to prevent contamination.","Remove contact lenses before application and wait as advised before reinserting.","Use with caution in people with glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.","Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor.","Keep out of reach of children.","If symptoms do not improve within a few days, contact your eye doctor."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether chloramphenicol or dexamethasone from this eye ointment passes into breast milk in significant amounts. Systemic absorption is low, but caution is advised. To reduce infant exposure, apply the ointment after breastfeeding and avoid touching the breast or infant with treated hands. Consult your doctor before use while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose from eye ointment is unlikely because it is applied topically. If someone accidentally swallows the ointment, rinse the mouth and seek medical advice. If too much is applied to the eye, rinse gently with clean lukewarm water and do not rub. Contact a doctor or poison control center if you notice unusual symptoms. Long-term excessive use can increase the risk of steroid side effects, so always follow the prescribed amount.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and squeeze a thin ribbon of ointment into the pocket without letting the tube tip touch your eye or eyelashes. Close your eye gently for one to two minutes and blink a few times to spread the ointment. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue. Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor has prescribed, because prolonged steroid use can raise eye pressure and hide infections. Do not share your tube with anyone else, as this can spread infection. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the ointment and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, or follow your doctor's advice. Avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after application because your vision may be temporarily blurry. Keep the tube tightly closed and store it as directed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or have glaucoma, cataracts, or a weakened immune system.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more prone to steroid-related side effects such as raised eye pressure and cataracts. Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest time, and attend regular eye checks. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and eye conditions.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, use this medicine only if your doctor advises. The safety of chloramphenicol and dexamethasone during pregnancy depends on the specific situation. Do not start or stop any medicine without consulting your doctor.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may sometimes be prescribed after eye surgery to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, but only under the direction of your eye surgeon. Follow the exact instructions for frequency and duration. Report any increase in pain, redness, or vision loss after surgery immediately.
🦷 Dental Procedures
No specific precautions are usually needed for dental procedures while using this eye ointment. However, tell your dentist about all medicines you take. If you are scheduled for eye surgery or a procedure involving the eye, inform your eye doctor that you are using this medicine.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
You can usually continue light exercise while using this medicine, but avoid swimming or water sports until the infection has cleared to prevent spreading it. If your vision is blurry after applying the ointment, avoid activities that require clear vision, such as cycling or lifting heavy weights. Follow your doctor's advice.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision after application, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision is clear. Office work and screen use are usually fine, but take breaks if your eyes feel tired. If your job involves close work or safety-sensitive tasks, discuss timing of application with your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop using this medicine at the end of the prescribed course, or earlier if your doctor advises. Do not stop early on your own, because the infection may return. Seek immediate medical advice if you develop severe eye pain, vision loss, or signs of an allergic reaction. Do not use leftover ointment for future eye problems without a new prescription.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can increase the risk of raised intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataract formation, secondary eye infections, and delayed wound healing. The corticosteroid component can also mask worsening infection. Regular eye examinations are important if prolonged treatment is needed. Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without specialist review.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can help relieve eyelid crusting and discomfort in blepharitis, but does not treat the infection.
Evidence: Well-established for symptom reliefMay be preferred when inflammation is mild, to avoid steroid-related risks.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan help with dryness and irritation but does not treat infection.
Evidence: Well-established for symptom relief💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Corticosteroids can reduce the immune response to vaccines. Topical eye use has very low systemic absorption, so the effect is likely minimal, but discuss vaccination timing with your doctor, especially for live vaccines. Do not stop or change your eye medicine without medical advice.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze or refrigerate unless the label says so.
✅ DO
Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the cap off or touch the tube tip to any surface.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in a hot car or near a stove.
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not share your eye ointment with anyone else.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for international travel. Keep the tube in your hand luggage if you need it during the flight, and store it at room temperature away from direct heat. If you are crossing time zones, continue your usual dosing schedule as closely as possible, but do not double up on doses. Check customs rules for carrying prescription medicines in your destination country.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may notice reduced redness and discomfort within one to two days, but the infection may take longer to clear. Complete the full course as prescribed.
A: No. This medicine is only for bacterial eye infections with inflammation. Using it for viral, allergic, or dry eye problems can be harmful.
A: Store it at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.
A: Apply it as soon as you remember if it is not almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: Remove contact lenses before applying the ointment and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, or follow your doctor's advice.
A: Use it only if your doctor advises, because the safety of chloramphenicol and dexamethasone in pregnancy depends on the situation. Do not use without medical advice.
A: Watch for increased eye pressure, worsening infection, severe allergic reactions, and rare blood disorders. Report eye pain, vision changes, or unusual bruising or bleeding immediately.
A: No. Complete the full course as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning. Stopping early can also increase the risk of resistance.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for paraxin eye ointment
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This ointment can be used for any red or itchy eye.
Fact: It is only for bacterial eye infections with inflammation. Using it for viral, allergic, or dry eye problems can be harmful. - Myth: Steroid eye medicines are safe for long-term use.
Fact: Long-term use can raise eye pressure, cause cataracts, and increase infection risk. Use only as prescribed and for the recommended duration. - Myth: If symptoms improve, I can stop the ointment early.
Fact: Stopping early may allow the infection to return. Complete the course exactly as your doctor advises. - Myth: This medicine can be shared with family members who have similar eye problems.
Fact: Never share eye medicines. This can spread infection and delay correct treatment.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chloramphenicol 0.5% w/w + Dexamethasone 0.1% w/w eye ointment
Brand Alternatives
- Deximon Eye Ointment