About loteprednol 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

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using loteprednol 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 breast-feeding.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicine.

How to use loteprednol eye drops

• First wash your hands.
• Shake the bottle well and remove the cap.
• Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
• Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
• Apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye.
• 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.
• Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
• Replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you use these eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about loteprednol and a full list of possible side-effects from using the drops.
• Use loteprednol eye drops exactly as your doctor has told 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 will 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, these eye drops may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see properly before you drive, 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.
• If your symptoms do not improve within two days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using loteprednol eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because contact lenses are not advised following surgery in general, and also because there is a preservative in bottles of eye drops which may affect soft contact lenses.

Can loteprednol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the eye drops, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to these eye drops, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store loteprednol

• 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. Never keep opened bottles of eye drops to use later. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

Important information about all medicines