Blog Gambia: loteprednol ophthalmic

Generic Name: loteprednol ophthalmic (lo te PRED nol off THAL mik)

Brand Names: Alrex, Lotemax

What is loteprednol ophthalmic?

Loteprednol is in a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Loteprednol ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye swelling caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Loteprednol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol ophthalmic?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using loteprednol before putting your contact lenses in. Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Stop using loteprednol and call your doctor at once if you have signs of a new eye infection such as swelling, redness, irritation, or drainage, or if you have problems with your vision, or severe pain, burning, or stinging when you use the eye drops. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using loteprednol ophthalmic?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loteprednol, or if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of your eye.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

glaucoma;

cataracts (or if you have recently had cataract surgery); or

herpes infection of your eye.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether loteprednol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether loteprednol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use loteprednol ophthalmic?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Do not use this medication for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye.

Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

To be sure loteprednol is not causing harmful effects, your vision may need to be checked after using the medication for 10 days or longer. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store loteprednol ophthalmic with the cap on at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of loteprednol ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using loteprednol ophthalmic?

Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with loteprednol ophthalmic unless your doctor has told you to.

Loteprednol ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using loteprednol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

signs of a new eye infection such as swelling, redness, irritation, or drainage;

problems with your vision; or

severe pain, burning or stinging when using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

minor burning when using the eye drops;

dry, red, itchy, or watery eyes;

feeling that something is in your eye;

being more sensitive to light;

headache; or

runny nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.