氯替泼诺混悬滴眼液(Lotemax)的注意事项和药物相互作用

Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops (Lotemax) is an ophthalmic corticosteroid that needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Precautions for Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops (Lotemax)

1. Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma)

Long-term use of corticosteroids may increase intraocular pressure (IOP), cause glaucoma, and cause optic nerve damage, vision and visual field defects.

If used for more than 10 days, intraocular pressure should be monitored, although this may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients.

2. Cataract formation

The use of corticosteroids may lead to the formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts.

3. Delayed healing and risk of perforation

Use after cataract surgery may delay wound healing and increase the chance of follicle formation. In diseases where the cornea or sclera have become thin, the use of topical steroids is known to cause perforation.

The pictures come from public channels (such as the official website of the FDA, the official website of the original drug manufacturer, etc.) and are for reference only.

4. Risk of secondary infection

(1) Bacterial infection: Long-term use can suppress the host immune response and increase the risk of secondary eye infection. In acute suppurative eye disease, infection may be masked or existing infection may be aggravated.

(2) Viral infection: Patients with a history of herpes simplex virus infection must be treated with extreme caution, as it may prolong the course of the disease or aggravate the severity of the disease.

(3) Fungal infection: Long-term topical use of steroids can easily induce corneal fungal infection. If steroids have been used or are currently being used for any persistent corneal ulcer, the possibility of fungal attack must be considered and fungal cultures should be obtained if necessary.

5. Precautions for use and operation

(1) For eye use only: not for intraocular injection.

(2). Avoid contamination: wash hands before use. Do not allow the mouth of the tube to come into contact with the eyelids or surrounding area, and replace the cap immediately after use.

(3) Contact lenses: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.

(4) Medication guidance: The first prescription and the refill for more than 14 days must be carried out by a doctor after examining the patient with a magnifying device such as a slit lamp.

6. Medication for special groups

(1) Pregnant women: Animal experiments show that oral administration has the risk of teratogenesis. There is a lack of controlled studies in pregnant women, so it should be used with caution after weighing the pros and cons when necessary.

(2) Lactating women: It is unclear whether topical medications will be secreted in breast milk. Medications should be used with caution, taking into account the benefits of breastfeeding and the mother's clinical need for the medication.

(3) Children and the elderly: The safety and effectiveness of medication for children have not yet been established. There was no overall difference in safety and effectiveness between older patients and younger adult patients.

7. Adverse reactions

(1). The most common ocular adverse reactions: anterior chamber inflammation (about 25%), conjunctival congestion, corneal edema, and eye pain (incidence rate 4-5%).

(2) Other important adverse reactions: increased intraocular pressure, cataracts, secondary infections (including herpes virus), corneal or scleral perforation.

(3). Non-ocular adverse reactions: headache (1.5%).

Drug interactions of Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops (Lotemax)

The instructions do not explicitly mention Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops, and there are specific interactions with other drugs.

Patients should inform their doctor in advance of all other medications they are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, so that the doctor can conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Contraindications of Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops (Lotemax)

1. Eye viral infections: It is contraindicated for most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), cowpox, and chickenpox.

2. Eye microbial infection: It is contraindicated for mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of the eye structure.

3. Allergic reaction: It is contraindicated for those who are known or suspected to be allergic to any component of Loteprednol Suspension Eye Drops or other corticosteroids.

4. There is an active eye infection: Especially when it comes to viral and fungal infections, the use of steroids may aggravate the condition, so it is absolutely prohibited.