Alrex (Loteprednol) 0.2% eye drops belong to the class of medications called corticosteroids. They are used for the short-term treatment of seasonal allergic eye symptoms caused by pollens (also known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis), including redness and itching in the eye. The drops work by reducing inflammation in the eye. If your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of using Alrex (Loteprednol), contact your doctor.

Your doctor may have suggested Alrex (Loteprednol) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Alrex (Loteprednol) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using Alrex (Loteprednol), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Alrex (Loteprednol) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Alrex (Loteprednol) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Alrex (Loteprednol) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual dose of Alrex (Loteprednol) 0.2% eye drops is one drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 14 days.

Before using these eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and shake the eye drop bottle vigorously. Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or fingers.

If you are using other medications in the eye, wait at least 10 minutes before applying them. If you wear soft contact lenses, instill the drops into the eye(s) first and wait 10 to 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Alrex (Loteprednol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Alrex (Loteprednol) at room temperature in an upright position and keep it out of the reach of children. It can be stored for up to 28 days after opening.

Alrex (Loteprednol) is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Alrex (Loteprednol) may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Alrex (Loteprednol) come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Alrex (Loteprednol). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Alrex (Loteprednol) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Alrex (Loteprednol). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning sensation in the eye
• cough
• eye swelling or discharge
• feeling like there is something in the eye
• headache
• increased pressure within the eye
• itching of the eye or eyelid
• nervousness
• painful, dry, or sticky eyes
• redness of the eye or eyelid
• runny nose
• sensitivity of eyes to sunlight
• sore throat
• tearing
• temporary vision changes (e.g., blurred vision)
• tiredness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

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

• floaters in the eye
• loss of vision
• persistent vision problems
• rash
• swelling of the face
• symptoms of an eye infection (eye redness, discharge, swelling)
• worsening eye redness or itching

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Alrex (Loteprednol).

Alrex (Loteprednol) etabonate ophthalmic suspension contains 0.2% w/v Alrex (Loteprednol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, glycerin, povidone, purified water, and tyloxapol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH to 5.4-5.5.

Do not use Alrex (Loteprednol) if you:

• are allergic to Alrex (Loteprednol), other corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone), or any ingredients of the medication
• have or may have a bacterial, fungal, or viral (e.g., herpes simples, varicella) eye infection

This product contains benzalkonium chloride which interacts with soft contact lenses (see "Are there other precautions or warnings for Alrex (Loteprednol)?").

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Alrex (Loteprednol).

Blurred vision: Alrex (Loteprednol) may cause your vision to blur temporarily. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear. If you experience persistent vision changes, contact your doctor.

Contact lenses: The preservative in Alrex (Loteprednol), benzalkonium chloride, can discolour soft contact lenses. People who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red should wait 10 to 15 minutes after using Alrex (Loteprednol) before inserting contact lenses.

Eye Infections: Alrex (Loteprednol) can increase the chances of getting an eye infection and should not be used for people with an eye infection (see "Who should not use Alrex (Loteprednol)?"). If you develop an eye infection or new or worsening symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye: If you have glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye, discuss with your doctor how Alrex (Loteprednol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Alrex (Loteprednol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Length of treatment: Alrex (Loteprednol) is used for short-term treatment for up to 14 days. Prolonged use of Alrex (Loteprednol) may cause Cataracts or glaucoma. If Alrex (Loteprednol) is used for 10 days or longer, your doctor will monitor the pressure in your eye regularly.

If you experience any persistent vision problems while using Alrex (Loteprednol), contact your doctor immediately. If you don't notice an improvement within 2 days of starting treatment, see your doctor.

Pregnancy: Alrex (Loteprednol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Alrex (Loteprednol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Alrex (Loteprednol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Alrex (Loteprednol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Alrex (Loteprednol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Alrex (Loteprednol) have not been established for seniors.