loteprednol ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: lo te PRED nol off THAL mik

Brand: Alrex, Lotemax

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loteprednol or other steroids, or if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of your eye (including herpes or chickenpox).

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

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

What is loteprednol ophthalmic?

Loteprednol is a steroid. 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 not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loteprednol or other steroids, or if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of your eye (including herpes or chickenpox).

To make sure loteprednol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • 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 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether loteprednol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I use loteprednol ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Loteprednol may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops before putting in your contact lenses.

If you use loteprednol ophthalmic gel, do not wear contacts at all throughout your treatment with the gel.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use. If using the gel, turn the bottle upside down and shake once to fill the dropper tip with gel.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops or gel:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

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

To be sure loteprednol is not causing harmful effects, your eyes may need to be checked after using the medication for 10 days or longer.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using loteprednol ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of loteprednol ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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;
  • blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • problems with your vision; or
  • severe pain, burning or stinging when using the eye drops.

Common 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.

What other drugs will affect loteprednol ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on loteprednol used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about loteprednol ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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