Lotemax

The usual dose of Lotemax (Loteprednol) ophthalmic gel is 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac (the gap between the eyeball and the eyelid) of the operated eye(s) 4 times daily, starting 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery. Lotemax (Loteprednol) should start to work right away. If there is no improvement within 2 days, contact your doctor.

Before using the eye gel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Invert the closed bottle of gel and shake it once to fill the tip. Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or fingers. If you are using 2 drops, wait 30 seconds before applying the second drop. If you are using other medications in the eye, wait at least 15 minutes before applying them.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Lotemax (Loteprednol) ophthalmic gel.

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 that Lotemax (Loteprednol) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next 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 Lotemax (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.

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.

Lotemax (Loteprednol) ophthalmic gel contains 0.5% w/v Lotemax (Loteprednol) etabonate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, boric acid, edetate disodium dihydrate, glycerin, polycarbophil, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, tyloxapol, water for injection, and sodium hydroxide to adjust to a pH of between 6 and 7.

Do not use Lotemax (Loteprednol) if you:

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

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications 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 Lotemax (Loteprednol).

Blurred vision: Lotemax (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: Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Lotemax (Loteprednol). Some formulations of Lotemax (Loteprednol) contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride which can discolour soft contact lenses.

Delayed wound healing: The use of corticosteroids such as Lotemax (Loteprednol) may delay wound healing. Your doctor will check your eye(s) to ensure proper healing after surgery.

Eye Infections: Lotemax (Loteprednol) can increase the chances of getting an eye infection and should not be used if you have an eye infection (see "Who should not use Lotemax (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 Lotemax (Loteprednol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lotemax (Loteprednol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Length of treatment: Lotemax (Loteprednol) is used for short-term treatment, usually for no longer than 2 weeks. Prolonged use of Lotemax (Loteprednol) may cause Cataracts or glaucoma. If Lotemax (Loteprednol) is used for 10 days or longer, your doctor will monitor the pressure inside your eye regularly.

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

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

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

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

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.