Lotemax Ophthalmic Suspension 0.5% (Loteprednol Etabonate)

Adult dosage

Steroid-responsive inflammation treatment: Instill 1-2 drops in the conjunctival sac of the infected eye 4 times a day. Take care not to discontinue treatment midway. If symptoms and signs do not improve after 2 days, reassess the patient. Post-operative inflammation: From 24 hours after surgery, instill 1-2 drops in the conjunctival sac of the operated eye 4 times a day and do not use beyond 2 weeks post-surgery.

This medication is a corticosteroid used in the eye, and caution is necessary as long-term use may lead to serious ocular conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. Continued use may increase the risk of eye infections, and patients with weakened corneas or scleras may experience severe side effects such as perforation. Using this medication when acute infection symptoms are present may mask or worsen the infection; hence, consultation with a physician is essential before use. Patients with a history of viral eye infections may have an increased risk of exacerbation when using this medication, so careful use is advised. Post-cataract surgery, using this medication may delay treatment or increase side effects, warranting caution. Patients with epithelial herpetic keratitis, viral eye conditions such as herpes zoster or chickenpox, mycobacterial infections of the eye, fungal infections, or allergies to this medication or other corticosteroids should not use this drug. While using this medication, various adverse reactions such as elevated intraocular pressure, vision deterioration, eye infections, and damage to ocular tissues may occur, necessitating immediate notification to medical personnel if symptoms arise. Symptoms such as itching, congestion, foreign body sensation, and photophobia in the eye may occur, and rarely systemic symptoms like headaches, rhinitis, or pharyngitis may present. This drug is for ophthalmic use only, and if used for more than 14 days, periodic eye evaluations should be conducted to adjust treatment methods. In particular, children or patients who are unable to cooperate should have intraocular pressure monitored if used for more than 10 days. Long-term use may pose a risk of fungal infections in the cornea; hence, if corneal ulcers persist, fungal infection must be evaluated. This medication is packaged in a sterile condition, so care should be taken to prevent the dropper from contacting other objects, and if redness, itching, or inflammation worsens, a physician should be consulted immediately. Contact lens wearers should refrain from wearing lenses while using this medication. Teratogenic potential has been reported in animal studies, and there is limited experience in pregnant individuals, so use in pregnancy should be avoided or approached with caution. Lactating women should also be cautious as this medication may affect the baby through breast milk. Safety and efficacy in pediatric use have not yet been sufficiently established, thus use in children is not recommended. Although there are no long-term tests regarding carcinogenicity or genotoxicity, current test results have not indicated any genotoxicity.

Serious side effects

Increased intraocular pressure, decreased vision and visual field, formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts, secondary eye infections, perforation of the eye due to thinning of the cornea or sclera, increased intraocular pressure (above 10mmHg).

Mild side effects

Visual disturbances, blurring, burning sensation upon instillation, conjunctival edema, discharge, dry eyes, tearing, foreign body sensation, itching, congestion, photophobia, conjunctivitis, corneal abnormalities, eyelid erythema, keratoconjunctivitis, eye irritation/pain/discomfort, papillae, uveitis, headache, rhinitis, pharyngitis, corneal edema, corneal erosion, conjunctival hemorrhage, taste disturbances, lens abnormalities, abnormal sensations in the eye, anterior uveitis, iritis, photophobia, dyspepsia, ocular complications related to medical devices.

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture, and it is important to maintain storage conditions between 15 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius at room temperature. This ensures prolonged efficacy and prevents degradation of the medication.

Appearance

A white plastic bottle containing a homogeneous milky suspension when shaken.

Package unit

5mL/bottle