Indications - Loteprednol etabonate is indicated for the treatment of steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the globe such as: Allergic conjunctivitis Acne rosacea Superficial punctate keratitis Herpes zoster keratitis Iritis Cyclitis It is also indicated for the treatment of post-operative inflammation following ocular surgery.
Dosage & Administration - Shake the bottle vigorously before using Steroid responsive disease treatment: Apply 1 to 2 drops of Loteprednol into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) four times daily. During the initial treatment within the first week, the dosing may be increased, up to 1 drop every hour, if necessary. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. Post-Operative Inflammation: Apply 1 to 2 drops of Loteprednol into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) four times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the post-operative period.
Side Effects - Local reactions (e.g. blurred vision, burning, itching, dry eye), photophobia, headache, rhinitis, pharyngitis. Prolonged use may increase IOP, which may be associated with possible development of glaucoma and infrequent optic nerve damage; posterior sub-capsular cataract formation and perforation of the globe where there is thinning of the cornea or sclera.
Contraindications - Loteprednol, as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. Loteprednol is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids.
Others - Pregnancy & Lactation It is Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.