Alrex
® (loteprednol etabonate) is a prescription eye drop used for the treatment of seasonal eye
allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis). It has been shown to be effective for treating a wide range of eye
allergy symptoms.
Who Makes This Medication?
Alrex is manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
Alrex belongs to a group of allergy medications known as corticosteroids, or simply "steroids" for short.
Steroids can have many different effects in the body, including anti-inflammatory effects. Steroids decrease inflammation by limiting the body's ability to produce an immune system reaction. They can be very effective for treating conditions such as allergies. However, long-term use of steroids can cause bothersome and sometimes serious side effects, and this limits the usefulness of many steroids. Because Alrex is an eye drop, its effects are generally limited to the eye. This helps prevent many of the long-term side effects of steroids.
When and How to Use the Medication
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in the affected eye(s) four times a day.
- Because this medication is a suspension, you must shake it vigorously before each use.
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the preservative in the medication, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this product. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Alrex can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Alrex include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal or blurred vision
- Burning
- Swelling of the lining of the eye and eyelid
- Eye discharge
- Dry eyes.
(Click Alrex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Alrex?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Glaucoma
- An eye infection (including an inactive eye infection, which can happen with conditions such as herpes)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Alrex Be Stored?
Alrex should be stored upright between 59 and 77° F. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Alrex as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Alrex comes in one strength -- Alrex 0.2%, available in a 5 or 10 mL bottle.
This medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Alrex).
