Rimexolone is classified as what type of steroid?

Rimexolone is classified as a topical steroid, specifically designed for ophthalmic use. It is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis and post-surgical inflammation of the eye.

Topical steroids like rimexolone are formulated to deliver effects directly to the site of inflammation while minimizing systemic absorption and side effects associated with oral or systemic steroids. The pharmacological action of rimexolone involves binding to glucocorticoid receptors, leading to the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and thus reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort in the ocular tissues.

In contrast, options such as oral or systemic steroids imply a broader effect on the entire body as they circulate through the bloodstream, which differs from the targeted application of rimexolone. Similarly, the term "intravitreal injection" refers specifically to a method of delivering medication directly into the vitreous of the eye, which is not the mode of administration for rimexolone. Understanding these distinctions underscores why rimexolone is categorized specifically as a topical steroid.