AHFS Class:
- Antiallergic Agents 52:02
Generic Name(s):
Lodoxamide tromethamine has been described as a mast-cell stabilizer.1,2,4,6,7
Allergic Ocular Disorders
Lodoxamide tromethamine ophthalmic solution is used for the symptomatic treatment of certain allergic ocular disorders including vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis1,2,6,7 and is designated an orphan drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for such use.3 Like that with other mast-cell stabilizers, therapy with lodoxamide is prophylactic in nature and, once mediators are released and manifestations have developed, the drug is ineffective except in preventing reactions associated with continued or subsequent exposure; occasionally, intermittent therapy with other agents may be necessary for acute exacerbations.6,7
Administration 
Lodoxamide tromethamine is applied topically to the eye as an ophthalmic solution.1 The manufacturer warns that commercially available lodoxamide tromethamine ophthalmic solution is not for injection and should not be injected subconjunctivally or directly into the anterior chamber of the eye. 1,5
Dosage
Safety and efficacy of lodoxamide tromethamine ophthalmic solution in children younger than 2 years of age have not been established.1 Dosage of lodoxamide tromethamine is expressed in terms of lodoxamide.1
Allergic Ocular Disorders
For the symptomatic treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, or vernal keratitis, the dosage of lodoxamide recommended by the manufacturer for adults and children 2 years of age and older is 1 or 2 drops of a 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily1,2,6,7 for up to 3 months.1,6,7
Description
Lodoxamide tromethamine has been described as a mast-cell stabilizer.1,2,4,6,7 Lodoxamide prevents the activation and release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, leukotrienes [e.g., slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis]) from cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions, including mast cells.1,2,4,6,7 While lodoxamide shares many of the pharmacologic effects of cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium, lodoxamide is more potent on a weight basis at inhibiting mediator release from conjunctival tissue.4,7 Lodoxamide exhibits no direct vasoconstrictor, antihistaminic, or anti-inflammatory activity.1,4,6
Additional Information
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Lodoxamide Tromethamine
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|
Ophthalmic | Solution | 0.1% (of lodoxamide) | Alomide® (with benzalkonium chloride) | Alcon |
AHFS® Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2024, Selected Revisions October 10, 2024. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814.
1. Alcon. Alomide® (lodoxamide ophthalmic solution) 0.1% prescribing information. Fort Worth, TX; 1993 Nov.
2. Caldwell DR, Verin P, Hartwich-Young R et al. Efficacy and safety of lodoxamide 0.1% vs cromolyn sodium 4% in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol . 1992; 113:632-7. [PubMed 1598953]
3. Food and Drug Administration. Orphan designations pursuant to section 526 of the Federal Food and Cosmetic Act as amended by the Orphan Drug Act (P.L. 97-414), to June 30, 1993. Rockville, MD; 1993 Jul.
4. Yanni JM, Weimer LK, Glaser RL et al. Effect of lodoxamide on in vitro and in vivo conjunctival immediate hypersensitivity responses in rats. Int Arch Allergy Immunol . 1993; 101:102-6. [PubMed 7684628]
5. Alcon, Fort Worth, TX: Personal communication.
6. Anon. Lodoxamide for vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Med Lett Drugs Ther . 1994; 36:26. [PubMed 8121328]
7. Santos CI, Huang AJ, Abelson MB et al. Efficacy of lodoxamide 0.1% ophthalmic solution in resolving corneal epitheliopathy associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol . 1994; 117:488-97. [PubMed 8154531]