Indications & Uses
Lotepred is indicated for:
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
0.5% ophthalmic suspension: For steroid responsive ocular inflammation, instill 1 drop of Loteprednol Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye or eyes four times a day. For inflammation after surgery, instill 1 drop of Loteprednol Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye or eyes four times a day, beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery. 1% ophthalmic suspension: For steroid responsive ocular inflammation, instill 1 drop of Loteprednol DS Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye or eyes 2 times a day. For inflammation after surgery, instill 1 drop of Loteprednol DS Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye or eyes 2 times a day, beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery. 0.5% ophthalmic ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac or sacs four times daily, beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period. Ophthalmic gel: Instill one to two drops of Loteprednol Gel Sterile Ophthalmic Gel into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye four times daily, beginning the day after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period. Use in children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric use: No overall differences in safety and effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
Side Effects
Reactions associated with ophthalmic steroids include raised intraocular pressure, which may be linked to optic nerve damage, defects in visual acuity and visual field, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection from pathogens including herpes simplex, and perforation of the globe where the cornea or sclera is thinned. In clinical studies, ocular adverse reactions occurred in 5% to 15% of patients treated with Lotepin sterile ophthalmic suspension (0.2% to 0.5%). These included abnormal or blurred vision, burning on instillation, chemosis, discharge, dry eyes, epiphora, foreign body sensation, itching, injection and photophobia. Other ocular adverse reactions occurring in fewer than 5% of patients include conjunctivitis, corneal abnormalities, eyelid erythema, keratoconjunctivitis, ocular irritation, pain or discomfort, and papillae. Non-ocular adverse reactions occurred in fewer than 15% of patients. These include headache, rhinitis and pharyngitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If signs and symptoms do not improve after two days, the patient should be re-evaluated. When Lotepin is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored. Fungal infection must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is still in use. If redness or itching worsens, the patient should be advised to consult a physician. Patients should also be advised not to wear contact lenses during their course of treatment.
Contraindications
Like other eye-drop steroids, loteprednol should not be used in most viral infections of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia and varicella. It should also not be used in mycobacterial infection of the eye or fungal diseases of the eye's structures. It must be avoided by anyone with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any ingredient of this preparation or to other corticosteroids.