Dexon-G0.3%+0.1%

Dexon-G is an ophthalmic (eye) combination of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and a corticosteroid, indicated for the treatment of steroid-responsive ocular inflammatory conditions where a bacterial infection or risk of bacterial infection is present or suspected.

Established/Guideline-Supported Uses

• Blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis with bacterial involvement and associated inflammation
• Anterior uveitis-related conditions such as iritis, iridocyclitis, and cyclitis where infection risk coexists with inflammation
• Scleritis and episcleritis with suspected bacterial component
• Corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies, where bacterial infection risk is present
• Post-operative ocular inflammation following ophthalmic surgery, where infection prophylaxis alongside inflammation control is desired

Adjunct Use

May be used as an adjunct alongside systemic therapy in more severe inflammatory or infective ocular conditions, at the treating ophthalmologist's discretion.

This combination is intended only for conditions in which both an antibiotic and a corticosteroid are appropriate together; it should not be used for purely inflammatory conditions without infection risk, or for infections without significant inflammation, where a single-agent product is preferred.

Each mL of ophthalmic solution typically contains Gatifloxacin 0.3% (as gatifloxacin sesquihydrate) and Dexamethasone 0.1% (as dexamethasone sodium phosphate or dexamethasone alcohol, depending on manufacturer formulation), along with ophthalmic-grade preservatives and buffering/tonicity agents.

Dexon-G is a fixed-dose ophthalmic combination product. Gatifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative ocular pathogens. Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, edema, and fibrin deposition in ocular tissue.

By combining an antibiotic with a corticosteroid, Dexon-G is formulated for situations where controlling ocular inflammation is needed while simultaneously covering for, or treating, a bacterial infection, reducing the risk of untreated inflammation worsening outcomes and the risk of steroid use unmasking or worsening an infection when used alone.

Dexon-G belongs to the therapeutic class of ophthalmic anti-infective and anti-inflammatory combinations, combining a fluoroquinolone antibacterial with a corticosteroid for topical ocular use.

Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone combines two agents with complementary mechanisms:

Gatifloxacin (Antibacterial Component)

Gatifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, enzymes required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This dual-target activity gives it bactericidal action against a broad range of Gram-positive organisms (including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Gram-negative organisms (including Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid Component)

Dexamethasone suppresses the inflammatory response by inhibiting phospholipase A2, reducing release of arachidonic acid derivatives (prostaglandins and leukotrienes), decreasing capillary permeability, and suppressing migration of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing edema, redness, and fibrin/collagen deposition in ocular tissue.

For ophthalmic (topical eye) use only. Not for injection, oral ingestion, or use in the ear. See Dosage and Administration for step-by-step instillation technique.

Formal systemic drug-interaction studies with topical ophthalmic Dexon-G are limited, since systemic absorption from ocular administration is minimal. However, the following points are clinically relevant:

• Other topical ophthalmic products: When multiple eye drops are used concurrently, they should be administered at least 5-10 minutes apart to prevent dilution or washout of either medication.
• Other corticosteroid-containing ophthalmic or systemic products: Concurrent use may increase the cumulative risk of elevated intraocular pressure and other steroid-related ocular effects.
• NSAIDs (topical ophthalmic): Concurrent use with topical NSAIDs may increase the risk of corneal healing problems.

Common Side Effects

• Eye irritation, stinging, or burning on instillation
• Redness (conjunctival hyperemia)
• Itching
• Chemosis (conjunctival swelling)
• Dry eye sensation
• Eyelid swelling
• Blurred or reduced visual acuity (transient)
• Foreign body sensation

Less Common but Significant Side Effects

• Elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma (with prolonged use) - see Precautions
• Posterior subcapsular cataract formation (with prolonged use)
• Delayed corneal or wound healing
• Secondary ocular infection (fungal or viral) due to suppression of the host inflammatory/immune response
• Hypersensitivity reactions (eyelid swelling, itching, rash)

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Dexon-G in pregnant women. Although systemic absorption from topical ocular use is minimal, this medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult a physician before use.

Lactation: It is not known whether topically applied gatifloxacin is excreted in human milk; systemically administered dexamethasone is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised, and a physician should be consulted, when Dexon-G is considered for a nursing mother.

Prolonged use precautions: Extended use of Dexon-G (generally beyond 10 days) may result in elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma with possible optic nerve damage, defects in visual acuity or visual field, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, and delayed wound healing. Intraocular pressure should be monitored periodically if treatment continues beyond 10 days.

Secondary infection risk: Corticosteroid use may suppress the host immune response and permit secondary ocular infection with bacteria, fungi, or viruses; prolonged use increases this risk. If signs of infection persist or worsen after appropriate use, discontinue and re-evaluate.

Herpetic disease: Use with caution in patients with a history of herpes simplex keratitis, as corticosteroids may prolong the course and exacerbate the severity of many viral eye infections.

Not for injection: This product is for topical ophthalmic use only and must not be injected into the eye or used systemically.

Contact lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses during an active ocular infection.

Antibiotic stewardship: Take Dexon-G exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, to reduce the risk of resistance development and incomplete treatment.

Topical ocular overdose of Dexon-G is unlikely to cause significant systemic toxicity, but excessive or prolonged use may increase the risk of local adverse effects such as elevated intraocular pressure. If accidental ingestion occurs or if excessive amounts are instilled and irritation, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center or emergency services rather than attempting home treatment. If the medicine is accidentally swallowed, flush the eye with water in case of accidental over-instillation and seek medical advice.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Discard any remaining solution after the manufacturer-specified period following first opening (commonly 4 weeks), even if the bottle is not empty.

Pregnant Women

Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; consult a physician. See Pregnancy and Lactation.

Breastfeeding Women

Use with caution and physician consultation. See Pregnancy and Lactation.

Pediatric Patients

Safety and efficacy of Dexon-G in pediatric patients below the age range established by the product labeling have not been definitively established; use only under close physician supervision when prescribed for a child, with attention to the same intraocular pressure and infection-risk precautions as in adults.

Elderly Patients

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been established between elderly and younger adult patients; standard adult dosing generally applies.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

Because systemic absorption from topical ocular use is minimal, no dose adjustment is typically required for renal or hepatic impairment; however, caution and physician judgment are advised.

Duration should be individualized by the prescribing ophthalmologist based on the condition being treated and clinical response. Treatment generally should not extend beyond 7-10 days without re-evaluation of intraocular pressure and clinical response, given the risks of prolonged corticosteroid exposure. Complete the full prescribed course; do not stop early even if symptoms improve, and do not continue beyond the prescribed duration without medical advice.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (gatifloxacin) combined with a corticosteroid (dexamethasone); ophthalmic anti-infective/anti-inflammatory combination.

Gatifloxacin exerts bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, blocking bacterial DNA replication and repair. Dexamethasone suppresses inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2 and the downstream inflammatory cascade (prostaglandins, leukotrienes), reducing capillary permeability, cellular infiltration, and fibrin deposition in ocular tissue. Together, Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone treats bacterial infection while controlling the associated inflammatory response.

The safety and efficacy of Dexon-G have not been definitively established in young children/infants. When prescribed for a child by an ophthalmologist, use exactly as directed, with careful attention to correct instillation technique to limit systemic absorption, and monitor for the same precautions as in adults (intraocular pressure, secondary infection, delayed healing) if treatment is prolonged. Parents/caregivers should not use this medicine in children without a physician's specific direction.