Loteprednol (Ophthalmic)

Brand Names : Alrex, Lotemax

Proper Use of This Medicine

Shake the container very well before applying the eye drops.

If you are using the 0.5% strength of this medicine: Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine .

If you are using the 0.2% strength of this medicine: If your eyes are red, you should not wear contact lenses . If your eyes are not red, soft contact lenses should be removed before you use this medicine. You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops before reinserting the contact lenses.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye) . Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing - The dose of ophthalmic loteprednol will be different for different patients. The amount that you use depends on the strength of the eye drops, as well as what they are being used for. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic loteprednol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For ophthalmic suspension dosage form (eye drops):
  • For seasonal allergic conjunctivitis:
    • Adults - Use one drop of the 0.2% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For inflammation after surgery:
    • Adults - Use one or two drops of the 0.5% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day beginning twenty-four hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For other eye problems as determined by your doctor:
    • Adults - Use one or two drops of the 0.5% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day. During the first week your doctor may want you to use the eye drops more often.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not freeze.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.