loteprednol ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

loteprednol ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Alrex, Lotemax

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 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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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.

Before using loteprednol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

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

• herpes infection of your eye.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use loteprednol ophthalmic, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. 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.

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.

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.