Introduction
Lotepred belongs to a group of medicine called steroids. It is used for treatment of redness and swelling in the eyes caused by infection or allergy. It provides relief from redness, itchiness and soreness by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Never use Lotepred if the seal is broken before you use it for the first time. Wash your hands before using it. Make sure you remove contact lenses if you wear them and wait for at least 15 minutes after application before putting them back.
You should not discontinue using the medicine unless your doctor tells you so. Stopping the medication before time may allow the bacteria to continue their growth, which may result in return of the infection.
It may cause eye irritation, burning sensation, and watery eyes. These are usually temporary and resolve with time. It may also blurred your vision or cause other changes in sight for a short time, do not drive or operate other machines until your vision is clear. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with your doctor before using this medicine.
Uses of Lotepred
- Redness and swelling in the eye
Side effects of Lotepred
Common
- Eye irritation
- Watery eyes
- Burning sensation
How Lotepred works
Lotepred is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the eye red, swollen and itchy.
What if you forget to take Lotepred?
If you miss a dose of Lotepred, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Allergic conjunctivitis, Ocular inflammation
Adult Dose
Ophthalmic
Steroid-Responsive Inflammatory Conditions
Indicated for the treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe (eg, allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, selected infective conjunctivitides)
Adult: Eye drops: Apply 1-2 drops into conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) QID; if necessary, may increase dose up to 1 drop every hour during initial treatment within the first week
Re-evaluate if signs and symptoms do not improve after 2 days
Postoperative Ocular Inflammation
Adult: Eye drops: Apply 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) QID beginning 24 hr after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period
Eye Ointment: Apply small amount (0.5-inch ribbon) into conjunctival sac(s) QID beginning 24 hr after surgery and continue throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established
Contraindication
Lotepro is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids. Viral infections of the cornea and conjunctiva; mycobacterial eye infection; fungal infections of ocular structures.
Mode of Action
Loteprednol is a synthetic nonfluorinated glucocorticoid. It stimulates the production of lipicortins, proteins that modulate the activity of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Precaution
May mask and exacerbate existing ocular infection. Re-evaluate patients if symptoms do not improve after 2 days. Glaucoma; may delay healing after cataract surgery. Monitor intraocular pressure (prolonged use).
Side Effect
Local reactions (e.g. blurred vision, burning, itching, dry eye), photophobia, headache, rhinitis, pharyngitis. Prolonged use may increase IOP, which may be associated with possible development of glaucoma and infrequent optic nerve damage; posterior sub-capsular cataract formation and perforation of the globe where there is thinning of the cornea or sclera.