LOTEMAX OPHTHALMIC GEL (LOTEPREDNOL ETABONATE)

About Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel Description

The active ingredient of Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel is Loteprednol Etabonate, a corticosteroid medicine that is useful for calming and reducing inflammation following cataract eye surgery. After your initial ophthalmic exam to rule out any viral, bacterial, or fungal infections present in your eyes, your doctor can prescribe Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel for use once your surgery has been completed and you are recovering at home.

How Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel Reduces Inflammation

When administered as directed, this corticosteroid works by suppressing the production of the chemicals your body signals when there is an injury or threat detected. These chemicals cause inflammation as a way to heal the wounded area but the irritation and pain it causes can create distress for the patient.

Administering Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel will coat your eye in a medicated lubricant while delivering relief from pain and swelling. Your doctor will usually recommend corticosteroids such as Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel for short-term use only because the suppression of your immune system chemicals can put you at risk for secondary infections.

Conditions Treated by Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel

Cataracts form on your lens which is found behind the colored part of your eye, called the iris. They can be caused by aging, injury, diabetes, or other medical conditions. Instead of seeing clear images, a cataract will scatter light as it’s passed through your lens and your vision will be blurry. Cataracts can affect different areas of your lens that can produce various sight restrictions.

To correct your vision impairment, the surgeon will make an incision in your eye to remove the old lens or use a small probe with ultrasound to break up the lens and suction it out. The new lens, usually made of plastic, acrylic, or silicone, is then inserted and becomes a part of your eye.

Before You Use Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before using Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel as your doctor may need to decide if the benefits outweigh any risks to your developing or nursing baby. Advise your doctor of other medical conditions and allergies you have and provide a list of current over the counter and Rx medicine you are on, including herbal and vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel is safe for you to use.

Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel Precautions

You should not wear contact lenses while undergoing treatment with Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel as they can increase the effects of the medication and may be damaged by some of the ingredients. You should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any tasks considered risky after instilling Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel as your sight will be temporarily impaired. If your eye pain or inflammation has not subsided after ten days post-operatively, visit your doctor to check on your progress.

Possible Side Effects of Lotemax Ophthalmic Gel

• Burning or stinging after administration
• Headache
• Itching
• Dry eyes