Lodoxamide (Ophthalmic)

Lodoxamide (Ophthalmic) solution is used in the eye to treat specific eye problems caused by allergies. It works by targeting certain cells, known as mast cells, to stop them from releasing substances that trigger the allergic reaction.

Lodoxamide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your symptoms do not get better or if your condition gets worse, talk to your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks and benefits. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted in adults, and there is no specific information about using lodoxamide in children under 2 years old compared to other age groups. For older children, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it is unclear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of lodoxamide in elderly patients with other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the possible risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its helpful effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Blurred vision
• Feeling of something in eye, itching, discomfort, redness, tearing or discharge, or other eye or eyelid irritation (not present before you started using this medicine or getting worse while you are using this medicine)

Rare

• Dizziness
• Mucus from eye, eye pain, or swelling of eye or eyelid (not present before you started using this medicine or getting worse while you are using this medicine)
• Headache
• Sensitivity of eyes to light
• Skin rash

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning or stinging (when medicine is applied)

Less common or rare

• Aching eyes
• Crusting in corner of eye or on eyelid
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Dryness of nose or eyes
• Feeling of heat in eye
• Heat sensation on body
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Scales on eyelid or eyelash
• Sneezing
• Sticky feeling of eyes
• Tired eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Alomide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the 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 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.

In order for this medicine to work properly, it should be used every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form: For eye allergies: Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop four times a day at regularly spaced times for up to three months. Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

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

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.