What is loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Loteprednol is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the
body that cause inflammation (swelling). Tobramycin is an antibiotic.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is used to treat eye inflammation caused by
surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Do not use tobramycin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. It is used
to treat infections caused by bacteria only.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means
that it is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do
not use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Use loteprednol and tobramycin eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.
Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin
ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which
may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
To apply the eyedrops:
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Shake the bottle to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt the head
back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and
away from the dropper. Squeeze out the prescribed number of drops and close the eye. Apply
gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the
liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in
the other eye.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands.
The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not stop using this medication suddenly if you have been using it for several weeks or
more. Before stopping, your doctor may want to reduce the dose over several days to prevent side
effects.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the
condition after 48 hours.
Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatment with loteprednol and
tobramycin ophthalmic to monitor progress and side effects.
Store loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next regularly scheduled dose as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic, stop using the
medication and seek emergency medical attention.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of this medication. Rarely, an increase in
the pressure inside of the eye, formation of cataracts, or perforation of the cornea have been reported.
Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects.
More commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, sensitivity to light, or
blurred vision may occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvement in the
condition after 48 hours.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin
ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which
may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
What should I avoid while taking loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The
dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Tobramycin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these
activities.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with
tobramycin ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact
lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with tobramycin ophthalmic
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying loteprednol and tobramycin
ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which
may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
What other drugs will affect loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye drops or eye medications during treatment with loteprednol and
tobramycin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with loteprednol and tobramycin
ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?