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Overview: Loteprednol is a steroid eye medicine used to reduce inflammation. Common side effects include blurry vision, burning or stinging, and eye discomfort. Only use this medicine for as long as your health care provider tells you. Call your health care provider right away if you have any vision changes or if your eye condition worsens while using loteprednol.

Uses

What is loteprednol used for?

Loteprednol is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Eye pain and inflammation after eye surgery 
  • A type of uveitis, which is inflammation in part of your eye
  • Eye swelling and inflammation caused by various conditions, some infections, or eye injuries
  • Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
  • Symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) caused by seasonal allergies 

These uses may vary depending on the specific loteprednol product prescribed. Loteprednol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does loteprednol work (mechanism of action)?

Loteprednol is a steroid eye medicine. It works by calming the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is loteprednol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alrex
  • Eysuvis
  • Inveltys
  • Lotemax
  • Lotemax SM

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.38% ophthalmic gel (eye drops)
  • 0.5% ophthalmic gel (eye drops)
  • 0.5% ophthalmic ointment
  • 0.2% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 0.25% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 0.5% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 1% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

How should I store loteprednol?

Loteprednol should be stored upright at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of loteprednol?

The most common side effects of loteprednol are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurry vision 
  • Burning, stinging, or discomfort right after you apply it 
  • Fluid buildup in your eye or swelling around the eye
  • Eye pain, redness, dryness, watering, discharge, irritation, or itching
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Cataract (see below) 
  • Glaucoma (see below)

There may be other side effects of loteprednol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of loteprednol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of loteprednol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Loteprednol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using loteprednol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Glaucoma. Loteprednol may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Do not use loteprednol for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Cataract. Loteprednol may cause cloudiness in your eye, which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your health care provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataract.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Infections and Delayed Healing. Using loteprednol for a long period of time can lead to eye infections, including fungal infections in some cases. Loteprednol may also hide or worsen an active infection, slow healing, or cause the formation of a hole (perforation) in part of the eye. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any vision changes or if your eye condition does not improve. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of an eye infection.

  • Eye itchiness or redness
  • Eye discharge or pus
  • Worsening inflammation or irritation
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use loteprednol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use loteprednol.

  • Alrex
  • Eysuvis
  • Inveltys
  • Lotemax
  • Lotemax SM
  • Loteprednol
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific loteprednol products they stock.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use loteprednol as it could worsen these conditions.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye

What should I know about loteprednol before using it?

Do not use loteprednol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

If you are using loteprednol eye drops, make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. If you have trouble getting the drops in your eye, talk to your health care provider.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your loteprednol product properly. Shake loteprednol eye drops before each use. 

Do not share loteprednol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep loteprednol out of the reach of children.

Eye infections may occur if the loteprednol container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have new or worsening eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

Do not use loteprednol while wearing contact lenses. Ask your health care provider about when it is okay for you to wear them, as this may depend on your eye condition and the specific loteprednol product.

What should I tell my health care provider before using loteprednol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if loteprednol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or the whites of your eye
  • An infection

Planned Eye Surgery. Using loteprednol may increase the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your health care provider if you are planning to have eye surgery. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how loteprednol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if loteprednol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use loteprednol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does loteprednol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between loteprednol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect loteprednol.

Does loteprednol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between loteprednol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much loteprednol?

If you or someone else has used too much loteprednol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of loteprednol?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.