Indications & Uses
Lotepred Gel is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Corticosteroids work by damping down the inflammatory response, whatever the trigger, though they probably also slow the healing process somewhat. In practical terms, they reduce the swelling, fluid leakage, capillary widening, and migration of white blood cells that are part of inflammation, along with the proliferation of new capillaries and fibroblasts and the laying down of collagen and scar tissue.
Exactly how corticosteroids act in the eye isn't fully settled, but the leading theory is that they trigger the production of proteins called lipocortins, which block the enzyme phospholipase A2. Since this enzyme is what releases arachidonic acid from cell membrane phospholipids, and arachidonic acid is the raw material the body uses to make inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, blocking it this way is thought to curb inflammation at its source.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. No clinical data are available on pregnancies exposed to loteprednol etabonate, though animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. Because the risk to humans is unknown, it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly necessary. It is also not known whether topical ophthalmic corticosteroids are absorbed into the bloodstream in amounts sufficient to appear in human milk, so loteprednol should be used with caution in nursing mothers.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store at below 30 degree C in a dry place protected from light. Do not touch tube tip to any surface. It is desirable that the contents should not be used one month after first opening of the tube. Protect from freezing.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Lotepred Gel 500 mg
What is Lotepred Gel 500 mg Eye Ointment?
Lotepred Gel 500 mg Eye Ointment is a medicine that contains Loteprednol Etabonate. It is made by Aristopharma Limited, Gazipur. It belongs to the Ophthalmic Steroid preparations group of medicines.
What is Lotepred Gel used for?
Lotepred Gel is used for: Pain, Viral Infection, Acne Vulgaris, Conjunctivitis, Inflammation.
What are the side effects of Lotepred Gel?
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%).
Can I take Lotepred Gel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category C. No clinical data are available on pregnancies exposed to loteprednol etabonate, though animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Lotepred Gel?
Store at below 30 degree C in a dry place protected from light. Do not touch tube tip to any surface.
Can I take other medicines with Lotepred Gel?
Some medicines can interact with Loteprednol Etabonate, for example: Loteprednol Etabonate + Tobramycin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Lotepred Gel?
Lotepred Gel is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.