Prescription Required
Description
Indications
Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment is a medication used to treat post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. It is a steroid medication for your eyes. It helps block chemicals in the eye that cause inflammation, itching, and redness.
Lotemax contains the active ingredient loteprednol etabonate, which is a corticosteroid. Loteprednol works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching in the eye.
Use and Dosage
Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment should be applied to the affected eye(s) as directed by your healthcare provider. Typically, a small amount of ointment is applied to the lower eyelid, and the eye is closed gently to spread the medication.
Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment is available in a 0.5% concentration. It can be applied as a thin ribbon (~0.5 inch) into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) four times a day (QID) beginning the day after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks postoperatively.
To use Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket or pouch.
- Squeeze a small amount of ointment (approximately a half-inch ribbon) into the pouch. Be careful not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination.
- Close your eye gently and roll your eyeball in all directions to help spread the ointment evenly.
- Try not to blink or rub your eye immediately after applying the ointment.
- If you are applying the ointment to both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
- Replace the cap on the tube tightly after use.
Use Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use the ointment, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific instructions based on your individual condition.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Burning feeling when the eye drops are instilled
- Dry, red, or itchy eyes
- Eye swelling or discharge
- Feeling like there is something in the eye
- Headache
- Increased pressure within the eye
- Itching of the eye or eyelid
- Painful, dry, or sticky eyes
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- Runny nose
- Sensitivity of eyes to sunlight
- Tearing
- Teary eyes
- Temporary vision changes
Serious Side Effects
- Blurred vision or vision changes
- Eye discharge or crusting
- Eye pain
- Feeling that something is in the eye
- Loss of vision
- Persistent vision problems
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the face
- Symptoms of an eye infection (eye redness, discharge, swelling)
- Worsening eye redness or itching
Cautions
- Glaucoma: Corticosteroids, including Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment, should be used with caution in individuals with glaucoma. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase intraocular pressure, which can potentially lead to optic nerve damage. If Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment is used for 10 days or longer, monitor intraocular pressure.
- Cataract Formation: Corticosteroids, such as Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment, can contribute to the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts. Prolonged and frequent use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataract formation.
- Delayed Healing after Eye Surgery: The use of corticosteroids, including Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment, after eye surgery, particularly cataract surgery, may delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications such as bleb formation. Individuals with conditions that cause thinning of the cornea or sclera should be examined thoroughly before initiating or renewing treatment with corticosteroids.
- Infections: Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment, like other corticosteroids, may suppress the immune response and increase the risk of developing infections. Avoid using the ointment if you have an active infection in the eye, as it may worsen the condition. Additionally, long-term use of corticosteroids can predispose individuals to fungal or viral eye infections.
- Pre-existing Eye Conditions: Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with pre-existing eye conditions such as herpes simplex, glaucoma, or thinning of the cornea or sclera. These conditions may increase the risk of complications or adverse reactions with corticosteroids.
- Systemic Effects: Prolonged use or excessive application of the ointment may increase the risk of systemic side effects such as adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, or hyperglycemia. This risk is higher in individuals who are using high-potency corticosteroids or who are using corticosteroids for an extended period.
- Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment in pediatric patients have not been established. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using the medication in children.
