My Cart Find A Store

Drug

Loteprednol Etabonate

Pronounced

"LOE-te-PRED-nol"

Uses

This medication is used for short-term (up to 2 weeks) treatment to help relieve dry eye disease. Loteprednol belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by decreasing inflammation (swelling).

How to Use This Medication

Read the Instructions for Use leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using loteprednol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day for up to 2 weeks.

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. Shake the bottle well for 2 to 3 seconds before using. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using this medication. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses. 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 one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than one drop. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

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

Use this medication regularly 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.

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

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 or if it gets worse.

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

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.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.