loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

loteprednol-tobramycin ophthalmic, Zylet

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

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

Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after 48 hours.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

What is loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Loteprednol is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation (swelling). Tobramycin is an antibiotic.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is used to treat eye inflammation caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Loteprednol and tobramycin 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 and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Do not use tobramycin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Use loteprednol and tobramycin 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 the eyedrops. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the bottle to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out the prescribed number of drops and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not stop using this medication suddenly if you have been using it for several weeks or more. Before stopping, your doctor may want to reduce the dose over several days to prevent side effects.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after 48 hours.

Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatment with loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic to monitor progress and side effects.

Store loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.