| Lotemax (U.S.N.L.M.) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | 1 or 2 drops qid, up to 1 drop qh in 1st week if needed. | |
| Chem Specs | loteprednol etabonate 0.5% | |
| Quantities | 2.5ml, 5ml, 10ml, 15ml | |
| Cost | 205.00/5ml | |
| Class | Ester based "soft" steroid suspension | |
| Action | Anti-inflammatory | |
| Usage | Indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, post surgical inflammation and other steroid responsive inflammations of the anterior segment and adnexia. |
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| Used off label as brief adjunctive dry eye treatment. Sometimes as front load to Restasis treatment. Used off label to reduce inflammatory sequelae of EKC. |
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| Contraindications | Most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella, mycobacterial and fungal disease. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids. |
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| Pediatric use | Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. | |
| Pregnancy | Embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at 35 times the maximum daily clinical dose but not at 6x. | |
| Fungal and bacterial overgrowth, cataract formation, globe perforation possible with long term use. | ||
| BAK preserved. Alrex is the 0.2% preparation of loteprednol etabonate. From the package insert: "As with all ophthalmic preparations containing benzalkonium chloride, patients should be advised not to wear soft contact lenses when using LOTEMAX." |
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