Loteprednol and tobramycin (ophthalmic)

Loteprednol and tobramycin (ophthalmic) is a combination antibiotic and steroid medicine that treats eye inflammation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or other specific conditions.

Loteprednol and tobramycin is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Loteprednol and tobramycin (ophthalmic) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use loteprednol and tobramycin if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loteprednol or tobramycin, or if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma; or
• cataracts, or if you need cataract surgery.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Loteprednol and tobramycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe pain, burning or stinging when using the eye drops;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights;
• pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes;
• slow healing after eye surgery;
• signs of eye infection--redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of loteprednol and tobramycin may include:

• blurred vision; or
• minor burning or stinging.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in loteprednol and tobramycin could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To use this medicine: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Use the medicine as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of loteprednol and tobramycin (ophthalmic) is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not share loteprednol and tobramycin (ophthalmic) with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.