Lotemax Ointment (Loteprednol Etabonate)
Lotemax Ointment (Loteprednol Etabonate) Dosage and Side Effects
Lotemax Ointment and Gel are a corticosteroid and are believed to act by reducing the production of substances associated with inflammation, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By reducing these substances inflammation and pain are reduced.
Lotemax Ointment is used for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following eye surgery.
Lotemax Gel is used for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following cataract surgery.
Warnings and Precautions
BEFORE you use Lotemax Ointment and Gel talk to your doctor or pharmacist:
-
If you have an eye disease/infection caused by viruses such as herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella or caused by bacteria or a fungus or if you think you have any other eye infection.
-
If you had or have glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye as Lotemax Ointment and Gel might increase the pressure in the eye. Glaucoma, which occurs when the pressure in the eye increases for a period of time, can cause damage to the optic nerve, vision problems, and sometimes a loss of vision. Your doctor may monitor your intraocular pressure.
-
If signs and symptoms fail to improve after two days of using Lotemax Ointment and Gel, consult your doctor
-
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Lotemax Ointment and Gel should not be used in pregnant women unless the doctor determines this is appropriate for you as there might be a risk of harm to the embryo or fetus.
-
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Lotemax Ointment and Gel should not be used in breastfeeding women unless the doctor determines that this is appropriate for the infant as there might be a risk of harm to the nursing baby.
-
If you are under 18 years of age.
Consult your doctor if the following occurs while taking Lotemax Ointment and Gel:
-
If you develop an eye infection or other new or worsening symptoms.
-
If you develop a blister on the eye (a bleb).
Side Effects
Eye ointment and gel can cause your vision to be blurred. This usually passes quickly. Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear. Like all medicines, Lotemax Ointment and Gel can have unwanted effects. The most common side effects in patients treated with Lotemax Ointment and Gel are:
-
Increased pressure within the eye
-
Blurred or abnormal vision
-
Swelling or discharge from the eyes
-
Painful, dry or sticky eyes
-
Tearing
-
Sensation of having an object in your eye
-
Itching in the eye or on the eyelid
-
Redness in the eye or on the eyelid
-
Photophobia (discomfort on exposure to light)
Another unwanted effect might include headache, cold, cough, runny nose, or drug sensitivity.
If you notice these or any other effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
For any unexpected effects while taking Lotemax Ointment and Gel, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions with this medication
Drug interaction studies have not been done for Lotemax Ointment and Gel.
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have taken recently any other medicines, even those not prescribed.
Proper Use of this medication
Usual dose:
For adults only.
LOTEMAX OINTMENT:
Apply a small amount (about ½ inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) (see pictogram) four times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period.
-
Do not touch the eyelid or surrounding areas with the tip of the tube. The cap should remain on the tube when not in use.
-
Wash hands prior to using Lotemax Ointment.
-
Do not wear contact lenses during the course of therapy.
-
Do not use if tamper evident skirt is visible on bottom of cap.
-
If pain, redness, itching or inflammation becomes aggravated, consult your doctor.
-
If you are using another medication in the eye, wait at least 15 minutes before applying.
LOTEMAX GEL:
Invert closed bottle and shake once to fill tip before instilling drops.
Apply one or two drops of Lotemax Gel into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye four times daily beginning the day after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period.
-
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface as this may contaminate the gel. The cap should remain on the bottle when not in use.
-
Use only if imprinted neckband is intact.
-
Wash hands prior to using Lotemax Gel.
-
Do not wear contact lenses during the course of therapy.
-
Do not use if tamper evident skirt is visible on bottom of cap.
-
If pain develops, redness, itching or inflammation becomes aggravated, consult your doctor.
-
If you are using another medication in the eye, wait at least 15 minutes before applying.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose, take the next dose as scheduled then continue as before. Do not double doses.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
