Alrex

The usual dose of Alrex (Loteprednol) 0.2% eye drops is one drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 14 days.

Before using these eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and shake the eye drop bottle vigorously. Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or fingers.

If you are using other medications in the eye, wait at least 10 minutes before applying them. If you wear soft contact lenses, instill the drops into the eye(s) first and wait 10 to 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Alrex (Loteprednol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Alrex (Loteprednol) at room temperature in an upright position and keep it out of the reach of children. It can be stored for up to 28 days after opening.

Alrex (Loteprednol) is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Alrex (Loteprednol) may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Alrex (Loteprednol) come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause discharge from the eye; it may cause eye discomfort; it may cause inflammation of the eyes; it may cause the eyes to become more sensitive to light - wear sunglasses if necessary; when used, it may cause a temporary burning sensation; it may cause blurred vision. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Alrex (Loteprednol) etabonate ophthalmic suspension contains 0.2% w/v Alrex (Loteprednol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, glycerin, povidone, purified water, and tyloxapol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH to 5.4-5.5.

Do not use Alrex (Loteprednol) if you:

• are allergic to Alrex (Loteprednol), other corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone), or any ingredients of the medication
• have or may have a bacterial, fungal, or viral (e.g., herpes simples, varicella) eye infection

This product contains benzalkonium chloride which interacts with soft contact lenses (see "Are there other precautions or warnings for Alrex (Loteprednol)?").

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Alrex (Loteprednol).

Blurred vision: Alrex (Loteprednol) may cause your vision to blur temporarily. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear. If you experience persistent vision changes, contact your doctor.

Contact lenses: The preservative in Alrex (Loteprednol), benzalkonium chloride, can discolour soft contact lenses. People who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red should wait 10 to 15 minutes after using Alrex (Loteprednol) before inserting contact lenses.

Eye Infections: Alrex (Loteprednol) can increase the chances of getting an eye infection and should not be used for people with an eye infection (see "Who should not use Alrex (Loteprednol)?"). If you develop an eye infection or new or worsening symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye: If you have glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye, discuss with your doctor how Alrex (Loteprednol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Alrex (Loteprednol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Length of treatment: Alrex (Loteprednol) is used for short-term treatment for up to 14 days. Prolonged use of Alrex (Loteprednol) may cause Cataracts or glaucoma. If Alrex (Loteprednol) is used for 10 days or longer, your doctor will monitor the pressure in your eye regularly.

If you experience any persistent vision problems while using Alrex (Loteprednol), contact your doctor immediately. If you don't notice an improvement within 2 days of starting treatment, see your doctor.

Pregnancy: Alrex (Loteprednol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Alrex (Loteprednol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Alrex (Loteprednol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Alrex (Loteprednol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Alrex (Loteprednol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Alrex (Loteprednol) have not been established for seniors.

This medication is for the eye. To use: Wash your hands as well as the skin surrounding the affected eye. Shake the container. Gently pull down the lower lid of the affected eye. Apply 1 drop of the medication. Unless your condition prevents you from doing so, close the eye for at least 1 minute, while gently pressing on the inner corner of the eye, near the nose. To avoid contaminating the medication, do not let the tip of the applicator touch your fingers or any part of your eye. Close the container tightly after each use. Continue applying the product to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even after improvement is seen or felt. This medication is typically used 4 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.