Note: This document contains side effect information about loteprednol ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lotemax.

Applies to loteprednol ophthalmic: ophthalmic gel/jelly, ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic suspension.

Serious side effects of Lotemax

Along with its needed effects, loteprednol ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Lotemax) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking loteprednol ophthalmic:

More common

• Blurred vision or other change in vision
• redness or swelling of the eye
• sensitivity of the eyes to light
• swelling of the membrane covering the white part of the eye

Less common

• Decreased vision
• discharge from the eye
• eye discomfort, irritation, or pain
• redness of the eyelid or inner lining of the eyelid
• tiny bumps on the inner lining of the eyelid

Incidence not known

• Blindness
• gradual blurring or loss of vision
• loss of vision
• nausea
• slow wound healing
• tearing
• vomiting

Other side effects of Lotemax

Some side effects of loteprednol ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning feeling when medicine is applied
• dry eyes
• feeling of something in the eye
• headache
• itching
• runny nose
• sore throat

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to loteprednol ophthalmic: ophthalmic gel, ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic suspension.

General

The most common reported side effects were anterior chamber inflammation, eye pain, and foreign body sensation.^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Corneal defect, eye discharge, ocular discomfort, dry eye, epiphora, foreign body sensation in eyes, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular itching, burning on instillation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal vision, blurring of vision, chemosis, conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, iritis, eye irritation, eye pain, conjunctival papillae, photophobia, uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis

Frequency not reported: Elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects, posterior subcapsular cataract formation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria, rash, dry skin, eczema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Rare (less than 0.1%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Rare (less than 0.1%): Urinary tract infection, urethritis^[Ref]

Metabolic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Weight gain^[Ref]

Nervous system

Rare (less than 0.1%): Migraine, taste perversion, dizziness, paresthesia, tinnitus^[Ref]

Oncologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Breast neoplasm^[Ref]

Other

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Chills, fever, pain, face edema

Frequency not reported: Delayed wound healing^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Rare (less than 0.1%): Nervousness^[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rhinitis, pharyngitis

Rare (less than 0.1%): Chest pain, cough^[Ref]