Loteprednol (ophthalmic)

Loteprednol (ophthalmic) is a steroid medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, severe acne, iritis, or some other conditions.

Loteprednol (ophthalmic) is also used to relieve pain and swelling after eye surgery.

The Eysuvis brand of loteprednol is used to treat dry eye disease.

Loteprednol (ophthalmic) may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use loteprednol if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

You should not use loteprednol if you are allergic to it or if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma; or
• cataracts, or cataract surgery.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Loteprednol (ophthalmic) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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

Loteprednol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• pain when using the eye drops;
• worsening redness or itching;
• eye pain or swelling, trouble closing your eye;
• pain behind your eyes, sudden changes in vision;
• tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights; or
• signs of eye infection--redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of loteprednol may include:

• minor burning when using the eye drops;
• eye pain, blurred vision;
• dry or watery eyes;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• your eyes may be more sensitive to light;
• headache; or
• runny nose, sore throat.

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 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. If using the gel, turn the bottle upside down and shake once to fill the dropper tip with gel.

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.

Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye 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.

This medicine is for short term use. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

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

Use the medicine as soon as you can. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of loteprednol (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 (ophthalmic) with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and can affect your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine affects 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 all your healthcare providers about every medicine you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.