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Loteprednol/

Tobramycin Drops

Generic Name: Loteprednol/Tobramycin (loe-te-PRED-nol/toe-bra-MYE-sin)
Brand Name: Zylet

Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are used for:

Treating certain types of eye inflammation in which an infection or risk of infection is present.

Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are a combination of a corticosteroid and antibiotic. It reduces inflammation and treats or protects against infection due to certain bacteria.

Do NOT use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops or to similar medicines, including corticosteroids or aminoglycoside antibiotics.
you have a viral disease in the eye, including herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, or varicella
you have a mycobacterial or fungal infection of the eye

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops:

Some medical conditions may interact with Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have glaucoma, thinning of certain parts of the eye (the cornea or the sclera), or a history of herpes simplex infection, or have recently had cataract surgery
if you have diabetes or wear contact lenses

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Certain diuretic medicines (eg, furosemide), cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), or other medicines containing aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg, tobramycin, gentamicin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops:

Use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are to be used as eye drops. It is not to be injected into the eye.
Shake well before each use.
To use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
To clear up your infection completely, take/use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops for the full course of treatment. Keep taking/using it even if you feel better in a few days.
Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are usually used for a maximum of 2 weeks. If it is used for longer than 10 days, eye exams may be required.
If you miss a dose of Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops.

Important safety information:

Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops may cause blurred vision. Use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks if you cannot see clearly.
If your symptoms do not get better after 2 days or if they get worse, contact your health care provider.
Soft contact lenses may absorb a chemical in Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops. Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
Be sure to use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Long-term or repeated use of Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
Lab tests, including eye examinations, may be performed while you use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Burning or stinging upon using Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops; mild itching, discomfort, or redness of the eye.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; sensitivity to light; severe or worsening pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye or eyelid; unusual tearing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops:

Store upright, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Loteprednol/Tobramycin Drops. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: May 5, 2010

Database Edition 10.2.1.002

L,Med-facts

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Lotrel

30/06/10

Generic name: Amlodipine and Benazepril Hydrochloride
Brand names: Lotrel

Why is Lotrel prescribed?

Lotrel is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a combination medicine that is used when treatment with a single drug has not been successful or has caused side effects.

One component, amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker. It eases the workload of the heart by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body and reduces blood pressure. The other component, benazepril, is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by preventing the transformation of a hormone called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body.

Most important fact about Lotrel

You must take Lotrel regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may take 1 to 2 weeks for the full effect of Lotrel to be seen. Even if you are feeling well, you must continue to take the medication. Lotrel does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Lotrel?

Take Lotrel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Try to take your medication at the same time each day, such as before or after breakfast, so that it is easier to remember.

If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature. Store away from moisture and light; avoid excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lotrel.

If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Be especially wary if you’re an African American: Your chances of this type of reaction are higher. Severe allergic reactions are also more likely if you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions to stings.

Side effects may include:
Cough, dizziness, headache, swelling

Why should Lotrel not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to amlodipine, benazepril, or any angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, do not take Lotrel.

Special warnings about Lotrel

Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Lotrel, then monitored for the first few weeks.

If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that benazepril may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you’re on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to the drug are increased.

Contact your doctor if you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. ACE inhibitors such as Lotrel have been known to cause intestinal swelling.

Lotrel can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are taking high doses of diuretics. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.

If you have congestive heart failure, use Lotrel with caution. If you have kidney disease or severe liver disease, diabetes, lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma (a rare disease affecting the blood vessels or connective tissue), use Lotrel with caution.

Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. You could be developing liver problems.

If you develop a persistent, dry cough, tell your doctor. It may be due to the medication and, if so, will disappear if you stop taking Lotrel. In a medical emergency and before you have surgery, notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lotrel.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lotrel

If Lotrel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lotrel with the following:

Lithium
Potassium supplements
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene
Diuretics such as chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Lotrel can cause injury or death to developing and newborn babies, especially if taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are taking Lotrel, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Minimal amounts of benazepril appear in breast milk. If Lotrel is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking Lotrel.

Recommended dosage for Lotrel

ADULTS

Your doctor will closely monitor the effects of Lotrel and adjust the dosage according to your blood pressure response. Lotrel is available in capsules that contain 2.5 milligrams of amlodipine and 10 milligrams of benazepril, capsules containing 5 milligrams of amlodipine and 10 or 20 milligrams of benazepril and capsules containing 10 milligrams of amlodipine and 20 milligrams of benazepril. Small, older, frail, and kidney- or liver-impaired individuals usually start with the lowest dose.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Although there is no specific information available, a sudden drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat would be the primary symptoms of a Lotrel overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

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loteprednol (Ophthalmic route)

30/06/10

loe-te-PRED-nol

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

Alrex
Lotemax

Available Dosage Forms:

Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Uses For loteprednol

Loteprednol belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It is used to treat inflammation (redness) of the eye, which may occur with certain eye problems or following eye surgery. loteprednol is also used to temporarily treat the symptoms of the eye caused by a condition known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (seasonal eye allergy).

loteprednol is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using loteprednol

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For loteprednol, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to loteprednol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing use of ophthalmic loteprednol in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of ophthalmic loteprednol in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of loteprednol

Shake the container very well before applying the eye drops.

If you are using the 0.5% strength of loteprednol: Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using loteprednol.

If you are using the 0.2% strength of loteprednol: If your eyes are red, you should not wear contact lenses. If your eyes are not red, soft contact lenses should be removed before you use loteprednol. You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops before reinserting the contact lenses.

To use:

First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing

The dose of loteprednol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of loteprednol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For ophthalmic suspension dosage form (eye drops):
- For seasonal allergic conjunctivitis:
  - Adults—Use one drop of the 0.2% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For inflammation after surgery:
  - Adults—Use one or two drops of the 0.5% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day beginning twenty-four hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For other eye problems as determined by your doctor:
  - Adults—Use one or two drops of the 0.5% eye suspension in the affected eye four times a day. During the first week your doctor may want you to use the eye drops more often.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of loteprednol, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using loteprednol

If you will be using loteprednol for more than few weeks, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) should examine your eyes at regular visits to make sure it does not cause unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse, check with your doctor.

loteprednol Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision or other change in vision
redness or swelling of the eye
swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye

Less common

Discharge from the eye
eye discomfort, irritation, or pain
increased sensitivity of eye to light
redness of eyelid or inner lining of eyelid
tiny bumps on the inner lining of eyelid

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning when medicine is applied
dry eye
feeling of something in the eye
headache
itching
runny nose
sore throat
tearing or watery eye

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

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Loteprednol Drops

30/06/10

Generic Name: Loteprednol (low-TEH-PRED-nole)
Brand Name: Lotemax

Loteprednol Drops are used for:

Treating swelling, itching, redness, or irritation of the eye caused by bacterial or viral infections, surgery, or certain allergies.

Loteprednol is an ophthalmic corticosteroid. It decreases inflammation (eg, redness, swelling, warmth, pain) of the eye.

Do NOT use Loteprednol Drops if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Loteprednol Drops
you have a bacterial, viral, or mycobacterial infection of the eye

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Loteprednol Drops:

Some medical conditions may interact with Loteprednol Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you wear soft contact lenses
if you have cataract surgery, diabetes, eye discharge, thinning of the cornea or sclera, or glaucoma
if you have a history of herpes simplex of the eye

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Loteprednol Drops. However, no specific interactions with Loteprednol Drops are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Loteprednol Drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Loteprednol Drops:

Use Loteprednol Drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Loteprednol Drops are only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.
Shake well before each use.
To use Loteprednol Drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
If you miss a dose of Loteprednol Drops, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Loteprednol Drops.

Important safety information:

Loteprednol Drops may cause blurred vision. Use Loteprednol Drops with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Soft contact lenses may absorb a chemical in Loteprednol Drops; do not wear soft contact lenses while you use Loteprednol Drops.
If Loteprednol Drops are used for more than 10 days, your eyes will need to be re-evaluated by your eye care provider.
If your symptoms do not get better within 2 days or if they get worse, check with your eye doctor.
Loteprednol Drops should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Loteprednol Drops can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Loteprednol Drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if Loteprednol Drops are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Loteprednol Drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Loteprednol Drops:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; discharge; dry eyes; eye redness; eye/eyelid swelling; foreign body sensation; headache; increased tearing; itching; runny nose; sensitivity to light; sore throat; stinging when placed in the eye.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; continued or worsening itching; delayed healing after surgery; eye pain; severe redness or swelling.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Loteprednol Drops:

Store Loteprednol Drops at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store in an upright position. Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Loteprednol Drops out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about Loteprednol Drops, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Loteprednol Drops are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Loteprednol Drops. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: May 5, 2010

Database Edition 10.2.1.002

L,Med-facts

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loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic

30/06/10

Generic Name: loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic (LOE te PRED nol and TOE bra MYE sin off THAL mik)
Brand Names: Zylet

What is loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Loteprednol is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation (swelling). Tobramycin is an antibiotic.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is used to treat eye inflammation caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after 48 hours.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Do not use tobramycin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Use loteprednol and tobramycin eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

To apply the eyedrops:

Shake the bottle to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out the prescribed number of drops and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not stop using this medication suddenly if you have been using it for several weeks or more. Before stopping, your doctor may want to reduce the dose over several days to prevent side effects.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the condition after 48 hours.

Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatment with loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic to monitor progress and side effects.

Store loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is unlikely to threaten life.

If an overdose is suspected, or if the drops have been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tobramycin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with tobramycin ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with tobramycin ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic side effects

If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic, stop using the medication and seek emergency medical attention.

Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of this medication. Rarely, an increase in the pressure inside of the eye, formation of cataracts, or perforation of the cornea have been reported. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects.

More commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis:

1 to 2 drops instilled in conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 4 to 6 hours

During the initial 24 to 48 hours of treatment the frequency may be increased to every 1 to 2 hours.