Adult Dosing
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (Alrex)
- Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) qid
Steroid responsive disease treatment (Lotemax)
- Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) qid; during the first week of treatment, may increase up to 1 drop q1hr if needed
Notes:- Do not discontinue therapy prematurely
- If signs and symptoms do not improve after 2 days of therapy, re-evaluate the patient
Postoperative ocular inflammation (Lotemax)
- Instill 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) qid beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery
- Apply about one-half inch ribbon ointment into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) qid beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- For topical ophthalmic use only; not indicated for intraocular administration
- Prolonged use may lead to glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and visual fields, posterior subcapsular cataract formation and/or may increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections from pathogens due to suppression of the host response
- Perforations may occur with the use of topical steroids in diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera
- Corticosteroids may mask signs of infection or enhance existing infection in patients with acute purulent conditions of the eye
- Ocular steroid use may prolong the course and exacerbate the severity of many ocular viral infections including herpes simplex; use extreme caution in such patients
- Use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation
- Initial prescription and renewal of the medication order beyond 14 days should be made by a physician only after examining the patient with the aid of magnification, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining
- Re-evaluate the patient if signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days
- Monitor IOP in patients receiving this drug for
10 days - Long-term local steroid application is associated with development of fungal infections of the cornea. Consider fungus invasion in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use; perform fungal cultures
- Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers or other source
- Advise patients to avoid wearing contact lenses during their course of therapy
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Acute ocular purulence
- Glaucoma
Supplemental Patient Information
- Advise patients to promptly report their physician if they develop any pain and if the redness, itching or inflammation gets aggravated
- Advise patients who use soft contact lenses to wait at least 10 min after instilling eye drops before inserting lenses
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown. Manufacturer advises caution.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Lotemax 0.5 % SUSP [Bottle] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
10 % = $230.62
30 % = $649.73 - Lotemax 0.5 % SUSP [Bottle] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
15 % = $310
45 % = $869.97 - Lotemax 0.5 % SUSP [Bottle] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
5 % = $117.8
15 % = $334.79 - Alrex 0.2 % SUSP [Bottle] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
5 % = $119.99
15 % = $339.96 - Lotemax 0.5 % OINT [Tube] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
3.5 % = $145.99
10.5 % = $409.95 - Alrex 0.2 % SUSP [Bottle] (BAUSCH & LOMB)
10 % = $239.99
30 % = $694.93
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
