Loteprednol Etabonate

Loteprednol Etabonate is a ophthalmic corticosteroid medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the eye where infection has been excluded or is being appropriately treated.
• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and other allergic eye inflammation when a corticosteroid is considered necessary.
• Post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, as prescribed by an eye specialist.

Use only in the affected eye as directed by the prescribing doctor. Adults are usually instructed to instil the prescribed number of drops or apply a small amount of ointment at scheduled times; treatment may be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly after longer use. Wash hands before use, avoid touching the dropper or tube tip to the eye, and if using more than one eye medicine, separate applications as advised by the doctor or pharmacist.

• Temporary burning, stinging, irritation or blurred vision after application.
• Eye redness, itching, watering, dryness or foreign-body sensation.
• Headache or sensitivity to light in some users.
• Increased intraocular pressure, which may lead to glaucoma with prolonged use.
• Cataract formation, especially with long-term or repeated steroid use.
• Delayed wound healing after eye surgery or injury.
• Worsening, masking or reactivation of bacterial, viral, fungal or other eye infections.
• Rarely, corneal or scleral thinning and perforation in susceptible eyes.
• Allergic reaction such as severe swelling, rash or worsening eye symptoms.

People with glaucoma, raised eye pressure, cataract, diabetes, a history of herpes simplex eye disease, current or suspected eye infection, recent eye injury or eye surgery, or thinning of the cornea or sclera must be especially careful and should inform their doctor. Do not wear contact lenses during active eye inflammation unless the doctor allows it. Long-term or repeated use may require eye-pressure checks. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Other eye drops or ointments may dilute or interfere with each other; use them at separated intervals as advised, and generally apply ointment last.
• Ophthalmic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of delayed corneal healing when used with topical corticosteroids, particularly after eye surgery.
• Medicines that affect eye pressure or glaucoma treatment may need monitoring when a steroid eye medicine is used.
• No important food interaction is expected because it is used locally in the eye.

• Known hypersensitivity to Loteprednol Etabonate, other corticosteroids or any ingredient of the product.
• Untreated viral eye infections such as epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia or varicella.
• Untreated fungal eye disease.
• Untreated mycobacterial eye infection.
• Use in red eye of unknown cause without medical diagnosis.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, Loteprednol Etabonate eye preparations should be used only if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk and only on medical advice. Systemic absorption from eye use is usually low, but unnecessary or prolonged use should be avoided.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, direct light and contamination. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not touch the dropper or tube tip to any surface, and do not use the medicine after the expiry date or if it changes colour or becomes contaminated.