Loteprednol (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Loteprednol (loe-te-PRED-nol)

Treats redness, itching, or watering of the eyes caused by several conditions, including allergies, eye infection, herpes zoster, and eye surgery. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s):

Lotemax, Alrex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to loteprednol or other corticosteroids. There are certain types of eye infection for which this medicine should not be used. Do not use loteprednol for any eye condition except the one your doctor prescribed it to treat.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use. Using this medicine for longer than recommended can cause serious side effects.
  • Do not use the medicine for eye irritation that has not been examined by a doctor.
  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
  • After you have used this medicine for the length of time recommended by your doctor, throw any unused eye drops away.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma or a history of herpes simplex, including herpes infection of the eye (keratitis).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have any other eye infections. This medicine can make certain types of infections worse.
  • If you have surgery for cataracts, be sure your surgeon knows you are using this medicine.
  • If you do not notice an improvement in your eyes after two days, call your doctor.
  • If you use this medicine for more than 10 days, your doctor will need to examine your eyes to make sure there are no unwanted effects.
  • Do not wear contact lenses while using Lotemax?.
  • Ask your doctor if you can wear contact lens while using Alrex?. If your eyes are not red, you may be able to wear your contacts. Wait at least 10 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes before you insert the lenses.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Change in vision or loss of vision
  • Eye pain
  • Increased redness, swelling, or irritation
  • Increased sensitivity to light

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Burning when putting the drops in your eyes
  • Discharge from the eye
  • Dry eyes
  • Feeling that something is in your eye
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
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