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Drug

Loteprednol Etabonate

Pronounced

"loe-te-PRED-nol"

Uses

This medication is used to temporarily relieve seasonal allergy symptoms of the eyes such as swelling, redness, and itching. Loteprednol belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with this medicine. You should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

If your doctor does approve the wearing of contact lenses during treatment with this medication, remove the lenses before using the eye drops. The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after each dose of the eye drop before wearing the lenses again.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. Shake the bottle well before using. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed and if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, other drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.

Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, drops turn a dark color). Use of contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 2 days or if it gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.