Loteprednol Brand Names
Alrex | INVELTYS | Lotemax
What is Loteprednol
Loteprednol etabonate is an ophthalmic corticosteroid which is an analog of prednisolone, containing a metabolically labile ester in the 17-beta position.
Loteprednol was designed to be active at the ocular delivery site with minimal systemic absorption. After application to the eye, loteprednol undergoes a predictable, one-step transformation by hydrolysis to an inactive metabolite.
Since loteprednol is metabolized by enzymes in the eye, systemic adverse effects are minimized.
Loteprednol has a lower potential to increase intraocular pressure compared to other ophthalmic steroids such as prednisolone and dexamethasone.
Loteprednol has been shown to decrease postoperative anterior chamber inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation.
Loteprednol is an alternative corticosteroid for the treatment of uveitis with less potential to cause ocular hypertension, but should not be used if more potent corticosteroids are needed as loteprednol 0.5% is less effective than prednisolone 1% in the treatment of acute anterior uveitis.
Loteprednol was first approved by the FDA in March 1998.
Alrex (0.2% loteprednol ophthalmic suspension) is indicated to relieve seasonal allergic conjunctivitis including bulbar conjunctival injection and itching.
Lotemax (0.5% loteprednol ophthalmic suspension) is indicated for the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation, and steroid responsive ophthalmic diseases including ocular symptoms of acne rosacea, cyclitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), iritis, keratitis, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Lotemax ophthalmic gel and ointment are approved for postoperative ocular inflammation and pain.
Inveltys (1% ophthalmic suspension) is also approved for postoperative ocular inflammation and pain.
Indications
- acne rosacea
- allergic conjunctivitis
- cyclitis
- giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
- iritis
- keratitis
- ocular pain
- postoperative ocular inflammation
- uveitis
For the temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Side Effects
- blurred vision
- cataracts
- conjunctivitis
- corneal edema
- corneal erosion
- epiphora
- foreign body sensation
- headache
- impaired wound healing
- keratoconjunctivitis
- ocular discharge
- ocular hypertension
- ocular infection
- ocular inflammation
- ocular irritation
- ocular pain
- ocular pruritus
- pharyngitis
- photophobia
- rhinitis
- superinfection
- uveitis
- visual impairment
- xerophthalmia
Monitoring Parameters
- intraocular pressure
- ophthalmologic exam
Contraindications
- breast-feeding
- cataracts
- contact lenses
- corneal abrasion
- corticosteroid hypersensitivity
- diabetes mellitus
- fungal infection
- glaucoma
- herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis)
- increased intraocular pressure
- mycobacterial infection
- ocular infection
- pregnancy
- varicella
- viral infection
Interactions
There are no drug interactions associated with Loteprednol products.
