LOTEPREDNOL OINTMENT - OPHTHALMIC

LOTEPREDNOL OINTMENT - OPHTHALMIC

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LOE-te-PRED-nol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotemax

GENERIC NAME(S): loteprednol etabonate

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat eye inflammation and pain after eye surgery. Loteprednol works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.


How to use LOTEPREDNOL OINTMENT - OPHTHALMIC

HOW TO USE: Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again. To apply the eye ointment, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a one-half inch (1.5 centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before recapping it. If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, drops or other ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Apply as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, ointment turns a dark color or develops particles in it). Using contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after a few days or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary blurred vision may occur when you apply this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Use of this medication for prolonged periods or in high doses may cause serious side effects, including serious eye problems (such as cataracts and high pressure inside the eyes). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vision problems/changes, eye pain, headache, dizziness. This medication may mask the signs of an eye infection. It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye infection, especially with prolonged use. Report right away any new or worsening symptoms such as eye discharge/swelling/redness/itching/pain, vision problems/changes, or no improvement of your current eye condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your treatment. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using loteprednol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye infections, cataracts, glaucoma (open-angle type), severe nearsightedness (myopia), diabetes. After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you develop a new eye infection or injury, or require eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current tube of loteprednol eye ointment or start a new tube. This medication should not be used in children after eye surgery. It can interfere with the child's ability to see out of the operated eye. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if the medication in this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for LOTEPREDNOL OINTMENT - OPHTHALMIC

- Loteprednol ointment is an ophthalmic medication used to treat inflammation and pain in the eyes caused by certain conditions, such as post-operative inflammation or allergic conjunctivitis.

- Loteprednol ointment contains a corticosteroid medication that works by reducing inflammation in the eyes. It inhibits the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.

- Wash your hands before applying the ointment. Tilt your head back, pull your lower eyelid downward to create a small pocket, and apply a small amount of ointment into the pocket. Close your eyes gently for about 1-2 minutes to allow the ointment to spread evenly. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to any surface, including your eyes. Use Loteprednol ointment exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

- Like any medication, Loteprednol ointment can cause side effects. Common side effects may include temporary stinging or burning sensation, blurred vision, itching, or redness in the eyes. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

- Loteprednol ointment can be used in pediatric patients aged 6 months and older, but it should be used only as directed by a healthcare provider.

- If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed one.

- Contact lenses should not be worn while using Loteprednol ointment. Discuss with your eye doctor whether it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses after completing the treatment.

- It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using Loteprednol ointment. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits and determine if it is safe for you to use this medication.

- Loteprednol ointment should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Common side effects of Loteprednol ointment include temporary burning or stinging in the eyes, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and eye dryness or watering. Serious side effects are rare but can include eye infection or worsening of an existing infection.

The duration of treatment with Loteprednol ointment will be determined by your doctor based on the specific condition being treated. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not use the medication for longer than prescribed.

Certain medications, such as other corticosteroids or eye medications, may interact with Loteprednol ointment. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.