What is Loteprednol (ophthalmic)?
Loteprednol (for the eye) is a steroid medication that is used to treat inflammation of the eyes caused by allergies, Shingles (Herpes Zoster), severe rosacea, iritis, or other conditions.Loteprednol ophthalmic can also be used to treat swelling and pain after an eye operation.Loteprednol, also known as Eysuvis, is used for the treatment of dry eye disease.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Loteprednol Ophthalmic.
Side effects of Loteprednol (ophthalmic)
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
Loteprednol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain when using eye drops
- Itching or worsening of redness
- Eye pain or swelling; difficulty closing your eyes
- Pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes;
- Tunnel vision is the ability to see halos around lights.
- Signs of an eye infection include redness, discomfort, crusting, or drainage.
Some of the common side effects associated with loteprednol include:
- Minor burning may occur when using eye drops.
- Eye pain and blurred vision
- Dry or watery eyes
- You may feel something inside your eyes
- Your eyes may be more sensitive than usual to light.
- Headache
- Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you have an infection in your eye (including Herpes Simplex), then loteprednol should be avoided.
Before you take this drug
If you have herpes or an allergic reaction to loteprednol, you should avoid using it.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Glaucoma;
- Cataract or surgery.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.Loteprednol ophthalmic is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Loteprednol (ophthalmic)?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label.Use only when wearing soft lenses. The lenses may be permanently stained by the loteprednol preservative. Use the medication at least 15 minutes prior to inserting your contacts.Before using eye medications, wash your hands.Be sure to shake the eyedrops before using them. When using gel, shake the bottle once to fill up the tip of the dropper.Use this medicine by tilting your head slightly back and pulling down your lower eyelid. Squeeze a few drops into the pocket created by holding the dropper over the eye. For a few minutes, close your eyes.Only use the prescribed number of drops.Wait at least five minutes before applying any other eye drops prescribed by your doctor.Avoid touching the tip or placing it directly on your eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems.You may need to have frequent vision tests if you take this medication for more than 10 days.This medicine should only be used for a short time. If your symptoms don't improve after two days of treatment, call your doctor.Use this medication only as prescribed by your doctor.Storing this medication upright at room temperature is recommended. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not wait to take the medication. Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of loteprednol are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Share loteprednol only with those who have the same symptoms as you.This medication may cause blurred or impaired vision and affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used on your eyes. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about any medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
