Loteprednol Ophthalmic

Loteprednol is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by stopping the release of certain natural substances that cause swelling, itching, and pain.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Ophthalmic loteprednol comes as a suspension (liquid) and a gel to instill in the eyes and as an eye ointment to apply to the eye. When used to treat eye swelling and pain after eye surgery, loteprednol 0.5% (Lotemax) eye drops, eye gel and eye ointment are usually applied 4 times a day beginning the day after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks. Loteprednol 0.38% gel (Lotemax SM) is usually instilled 3 times a day beginning the day after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks. Loteprednol 1% eye drops (Inveltys) are usually instilled 2 times a day beginning the day after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks. When used to treat seasonal allergies, loteprednol 0.2% eye drops (Alrex) are usually instilled in the affected eye(s) 4 times a day. When used to reduce eye swelling due to certain conditions, loteprednol 0.5% eye drops (Lotemax) are usually instilled in the affected eye(s) 4 times a day, but during the first week of treatment your doctor may tell you to it more often. When used to treat dry eye, loteprednol 0.25% (Eysuvis) eye drops are usually instilled in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for 2 weeks. Use loteprednol at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use loteprednol ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

When you use ophthalmic loteprednol, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eyes, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the medication. Using eye medication that is contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops/gel/ointment has become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.

To use the eye drops or gel follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. If using the eye drops, shake the bottle well for at least 3 seconds. If using the gel, turn the closed bottle upside down and shake once.
3. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
4. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and dropper must be kept clean.
5. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
6. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
7. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
8. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
9. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
10. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
11. Wipe any excess liquid or gel from your face with a tissue.
12. If you are to use more than 1 drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.
13. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
14. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

To use the eye ointment, follow these instructions:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
3. Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else. The ointment must be kept clean.
4. Tilt your head forward slightly.
5. Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
7. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
8. Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
9. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
10. Replace and tighten the cap right away.
11. Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.