lodoxamide ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

lodoxamide ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Alomide

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

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

Burning, stinging, or irritation may occur when the drops are applied. Contact your doctor if these symptoms do not go away.

What is lodoxamide ophthalmic?

Lodoxamide is an antiallergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to allergy-causing substances.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether lodoxamide passes into breast milk. Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use lodoxamide ophthalmic?

Use lodoxamide eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat this process if your other eye if directed by your doctor. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store lodoxamide ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

If lodoxamide has been ingested, symptoms of an overdose include a feeling of warmth, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.