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Dosage Details for Lotemax

Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA — By Lindsay Bebout, PharmD on September 23, 2022

Introduction

If you have a certain kind of eye condition, your doctor might suggest Lotemax as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:pain and inflammation (swelling) after eye surgeryallergic conjunctivitisherpes zoster keratitis (inflammation of the cornea caused by shingles)iritisocular rosaceasuperficial punctate keratitis (a kind of inflammation in your cornea)cyclitis (swelling of the ring of muscle behind the iris)certain kinds of pink eyeother types of inflammation affecting your eye Lotemax is also used for pain and swelling after eye surgery in children from birth to age 17 years. The active ingredient in Lotemax is loteprednol. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Lotemax belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. Lotemax is available in four forms. For details, see the “What is Lotemax s dosage ” section below. This article describes the dosages of Lotemax, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Lotemax, see this in-depth article. Note: This article covers Lotemax’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Lotemax, always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

What is Lotemax s dosage

Below is information about Lotemax’s usual dosage.Lotemax formUsual dosageStandard dosing frequencyLotemax eye drops1 or 2 drops in the affected eye4 times per day for 2 weeks or as directedLotemax eye ointmentabout a half-inch ribbon of ointment in the affected eye4 times per day for 2 weeksLotemax eye gel1 or 2 drops in the affected eye4 times per day for 2 weeksLotemax SM eye gel1 drop in the affected eye3 times per day for 2 weeks

What are the forms of Lotemax

Lotemax is available in four forms:Lotemax eye dropsLotemax eye ointmentLotemax eye gelLotemax SM eye gel

What strengths does Lotemax come in

Lotemax eye drops, eye ointment, and eye gel come in a strength of 0.5%. Lotemax SM eye gel comes in a strength of 0.38%.

What are the usual dosages of Lotemax

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for pain and inflammation swelling after eye surgery

In most cases, your doctor will have you start using Lotemax 24 hours after your eye surgery. Your dosage will depend on which form of Lotemax you’re prescribed. See the table above for details.

Dosage for certain eye conditions

Lotemax can be used for several eye conditions. (For a list of conditions, see the “Introduction” section above.) The dosage is typically the same as what’s used for pain and inflammation after surgery. Your dosage will depend on which form of Lotemax you’re prescribed. See the table above for details.

What s the dosage of Lotemax for children

Lotemax eye gel is used for pain and swelling after eye surgery in children from birth to age 17 years. The usual recommended dosage for pediatric use is one or two drops in the affected eye, four times per day for 2 weeks. A child will start using Lotemax 24 hours after surgery. If you have questions about your child using Lotemax, talk with their doctor.

Is Lotemax used long term

No, this drug is not used long term. Lotemax is typically used for 2 weeks following certain eye surgeries or for short-term treatment of certain eye conditions. Your doctor will tell you how long you’ll use Lotemax.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lotemax’s dosage.

Is Lotemax used to treat dry eye If so what s the dosage

No, Lotemax isn’t approved to treat dry eyes. Another prescription eye drop called Eysuvis is used to treat dry eye. Eysuvis has the same active ingredient as Lotemax. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) But Eysuvis comes in a different strength than Lotemax. If you’re experiencing dry eye, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

Can I use Lotemax for more than 2 weeks after surgery if I still have eye pain and swelling

You should only use Lotemax for longer than 2 weeks after eye surgery if your doctor tells you to do so. Using Lotemax or other eye steroids long term can cause certain complications, such as increased risk of fungal infection in your eye. If your eyes are still bothering you 2 weeks after surgery, talk with your doctor about your options.

What factors can affect my dosage

The dosage of Lotemax you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treatyour agethe form of Lotemax you’re using

How is Lotemax used

You’ll use Lotemax in your affected eye according to your doctor’s instructions. If you’re using Lotemax eye drops, you should shake the bottle a few times before use. If you’re using Lotemax or Lotemax SM eye gel, you’ll tip the bottle upside down and shake it once. This helps make sure there’s enough medication in the applicator tip. You should always wash your hands before using Lotemax. This helps lower your risk of getting an eye infection. For tips on applying eye drops, check out this article. To learn more about using an eye ointment, see this article. And for information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Lotemax, see this article. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will let you know whether you can wear your contacts while you’re using Lotemax.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:have large print or use braillefeature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

What if I miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Lotemax, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. You should not take two doses of Lotemax at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects. If you need help remembering to take your dose of Lotemax on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

What should be done in case of overdose

Do not use more Lotemax than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Lotemax

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Lotemax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I ask my doctor

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Lotemax for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Remember, you should not change your dosage of Lotemax without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Lotemax exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:Should my dosage change if Lotemax isn’t working well enough for me?Does my Lotemax dosage need to change if I’m taking other drugs along with it?Would a different dosage raise or lower my risk of side effects from Lotemax? To learn more about Lotemax, see these articles:Lotemax and Lotemax SM (loteprednol)Side Effects of Lotemax: What You Need to Know To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. Or to connect with others who have your condition, join a Bezzy community. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Lotemax (loteprednol etabonate) ophthalmic gel 0.5%. (2020).
lotemaxgel.com/siteassets/pdf/lotemaxgel-package-insert.pdfLotemax (loteprednol etabonate) ophthalmic ointment 0.5%. (2020).
accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/200738s003lbl.pdfLotemax (loteprednol etabonate) ophthalmic suspension 0.5%. (2020).
lotemax-package-insert.pdf (bausch.com)Lotemax SM (loteprednol etabonate) ophthalmic gel 0.38%. (2020).
lotemax-sm-package-insert.pdf (lotemaxsm.com)Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 23, 2022 By Lindsay Bebout Edited By Lindsay Ross-Hazel Medically Reviewed By Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA Share this articleMedically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA — By Lindsay Bebout, PharmD on September 23, 2022

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