Description:
Alrex (for the eyes) is a steroid used to treat eye irritation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, and other conditions. This is also used to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with eye surgery.
Alrex vs Lotemax:
- Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Iritis, Cyclitis, Postoperative Ocular Inflammation, Rosacea, and Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis are all conditions for which both medications are prescribed.
- Alrex is available as a 0.2 percent ophthalmic solution used for the temporary alleviation of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (such as an eye allergy due to pollen or mold).
- Lotemax is available as a 0.5 percent ophthalmic solution, 0.5 percent ophthalmic ointment, and 0.5 percent ophthalmic gel. All three forms are allowed for the treatment of inflammation and discomfort following eye surgery; However, the 0.5 percent suspension is also approved for the treatment of allergies, keratitis, iritis, and some infections.
Alrex Dosage:
- Generic Name: LOTEPREDNOL ETABONATE 2mg in 1mL
- Ophthalmic suspension is the dosage form.
- Four times a day, one drop is injected into the afflicted eye(s).
Direction:
- Before using this eye medicine, wash your hands.
- Before each usage, give the eye drops a good shake. Turn the container upside down and shake once to fill the dropper tip.
- Tilt your head back slightly and bring your lower eyelid down to make a small pocket to administer the medicine. While holding the dropper over your eye, squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for a minute or two.
- Use only the number of drops that your doctor recommends.
- Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has prescribed, wait at least 5 minutes.
- The eye dropper’s tip should never be touched or placed directly on your eye. An infection in your eye might be caused by a contaminated dropper.
Alrex Side Effects:
This medication’s potential side effects
- Eyes that are dry
- Headache
- Itching of the eyes
- The sensation of being on fire
Caution:
- If you have an eye infection, you should not use this medication (including herpes simplex).
- Alrex is only to be used for a brief period of time. If your symptoms do not improve after two days of therapy, contact your doctor.
- Use this medication just for the amount of time that your doctor has prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-Can I get Alrex eye drops over the counter?
Alrex (loteprednol) is a steroid, not a hormone. There are no over-the-counter steroids since you should see an eye doctor before using them.
-Is it possible to use this eye drop while wearing contact lenses?
If you wear soft contact lenses, you should avoid using this product. A preservative on Alrex lenses might discolor them permanently. Before putting your contact lenses in, wait at least 15 minutes for the medication to take action.
