Corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory response to a variety of agents, and they probably delay or slow healing. Since corticosteroids may inhibit the body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used when this inhibition is considered to be clinically significant in a particular case.

When a decision to administer both a corticosteroid and an antimicrobial is made, the administration of such drugs in combination has the advantage of greater patient compliance and convenience, with the added assurance that the appropriate dosage of both drugs is administered, plus assured compatibility of ingredients when both types of drug are in the same formulation and, particularly, that the correct volume of drug is delivered and retained.

The relative potency of corticosteroids depends on the molecular structure, concentration, and release from the vehicle.

Microbiology

The anti-infective component in Ophthalmic Solution NEODECADRON (neomycin and dexamethasone) is included to provide action against specific organisms susceptible to it. Neomycin sulfate is active in vitro against susceptible strains of the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, and Neisseria species. The product does not provide adequate coverage against: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and streptococci, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/24/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.