Brand Names: Alrex, Lotemax

Generic Name: loteprednol ophthalmic (Pronunciation: lo te PRED nol off THAL mik)

• What is loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• What are the possible side effects of loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• How should I use loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Alrex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Alrex)?
• What should I avoid while using loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• What other drugs will affect loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?

Loteprednol is in a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Loteprednol ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye swelling caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Loteprednol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using loteprednol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• signs of a new eye infection such as swelling, redness, irritation, or drainage;
• problems with your vision; or
• severe pain, burning or stinging when using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

• minor burning when using the eye drops;
• dry, red, itchy, or watery eyes;
• feeling that something is in your eye;
• being more sensitive to light;
• headache; or
• runny nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Alrex (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol ophthalmic (Alrex)?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using loteprednol before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Stop using loteprednol and call your doctor at once if you have signs of a new eye infection such as swelling, redness, irritation, or drainage, or if you have problems with your vision, or severe pain, burning, or stinging when you use the eye drops.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.