Lotepred0.5%

Loteprednol ophthalmic gel: This is indicated for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. It is also effective in steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the eyeball such ... Read moreLoteprednol ophthalmic gel: This is indicated for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. It is also effective in steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the eyeball such as allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis & cyclitis.Loteprednol ophthalmic suspension: This is indicated in steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the eyeball such as allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis & cyclitis. It is also effective in post-operative inflammation.

Ophthalmic Steroid preparations

Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing. They inhibit the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen and scar formation associated with inflammation. There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

Shake the bottle vigorously before usingSteroid responsive disease treatment: Apply 1 to 2 drops of Loteprednol into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) four times daily. During the initial treatment within the first week, the dosing may be increased, up to 1 drop every hour, if necessary. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. Post-Operative Inflammation: Apply 1 to 2 drops of Loteprednol into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) four times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the post-operative period.

Loteprednol ophthalmic gel: Instill one to two drops of Ophthalmic Gel into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye four times daily beginning the day after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period.Loteprednol ophthalmic suspension: For steroid-responsive ocular inflammation: Instill 1 drop of Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the eye(s) four times a day. For inflammation after surgery: Instill 1 drop of Ophthalmic Suspension into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) four times a day beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery. Use in children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Since Lotepred 0.5% is not detected in plasma following the topical administration, it is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of systemically administered medicinal products.

It is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva. It is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids.

Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects; cataract formation; secondary ocular infection following suppression of host response; and perforation of the globe may occur.

It is Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.

For ophthalmic use only. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored. Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term use of steroid topically. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and visual field, and in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Use of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution.

Protect from light. Store in cool & dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

Ophthalmic Steroid preparations

Loteprednol is a corticosteroid which is thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid.

No clinical data available for use in pregnancy. It is not known whether Lotepred 0.5% passes into breast milk.