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Loteprednol eye drops for inflammation

Lotemax

Loteprednol eye drops are prescribed to treat inflammation following eye surgery.

Use the drops four times a day, starting 24 hours after the eye surgery. Shake the bottle well before use.

Eye drops can cause blurred vision when first put in. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines until your vision is clear again.

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About loteprednol eye drops

Type of medicine

Corticosteroid eye drops

Used for

To treat eye inflammation following eye surgery

Also called

Lotemax®

Available as

Eye drops

Loteprednol eye drops are used short-term following eye surgery. The drops contain a corticosteroid (sometimes called a 'steroid') which helps to relieve inflammation, redness and irritation.

Before using loteprednol eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops or other medicine.

  • If you think you may have an eye infection.

  • If you wear soft contact lenses.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

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How to use loteprednol eye drops

  1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.

  2. Shake the bottle well and then remove the cap.

  3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.

  4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

  5. Apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

  6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

  7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.

  8. Replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before you use the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about the eye drops and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using them.

  • Use the eye drops exactly as your doctor tells you to. Unless you have been told otherwise, use the drops four times a day.

  • Loteprednol eye drops are only meant to be used for a short period of time (no longer than 14 days). Do not use them for longer than your doctor has told you to. This is because they can cause problems within your eye when used for longer than recommended. If you have been asked to use the drops for longer than 10 days, your doctor may arrange for you to have the pressure in your eyes checked.

  • Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers or any other surface. This will help to prevent the risk of infection.

  • When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear but make sure you can see properly before you drive and before you use tools or machines, as otherwise you may put yourself and others at risk.

  • If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and may not have the intended effect.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, speak again with your doctor.

  • If you normally wear contact lenses, do not wear them again until your doctor advises you do so. There are two reasons for this - you should not wear lenses while your eyes are inflamed, and bottles of eye drops contain a preservative which can affect some soft contact lenses.

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Can loteprednol eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, eye drops can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with loteprednol eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your drops. Unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to a new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common loteprednol eye drop side-effects

What can I do if I experience this?

Mild discomfort, irritation or dryness

This should quickly pass. If the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor

Blurred vision

This usually passes within a few minutes. Do not drive and do not use tools unless you can see clearly

Headache

Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know

Important: occasionally people can be allergic to eye drops, particularly if the eye drops contain a preservative. If you notice a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or itching, stop using the drops and contact a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Long-term use of preserved eye drops may lead to eye irritation and symptoms of dry eyes. If your eyes or eyelids become red or inflamed after using the drops, contact your doctor for advice.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store loteprednol eye drops

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened so throw away the bottle after this time, even if there is some solution left. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

Important information about all medicines

Important information about all medicines

If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

Do not use more than the prescribed dose.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

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