Lotemax Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental HealthSleepOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestNo More SilenceFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaShopProducts by ConditionInsomniaStress ReliefBack PainNeck PainSleep ApneaHot SleepersAllergiesPain ReliefProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectShopSubscribe

Side Effects of Lotemax What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD — By Dedra Weiss, PharmD on September 19, 2022

Introduction

If you have eye pain or inflammation from surgery or certain conditions, your doctor might suggest Lotemax as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgery in adults and some children. It’s also used to treat some inflammatory conditions of the eye in adults. Lotemax comes in different forms to treat eye pain and inflammation after surgery.Lotemax 0.5% eye ointmentLotemax 0.5% gel eye dropsLotemax SM 0.38% gel eye dropsLotemax 0.5% suspension (eye drops) Adults can use all forms listed above. Lotemax 0.5% gel eye drops can be used in children of all ages from birth. Doctors also prescribe Lotemax 0.5% suspension (eye drops) to treat inflammatory conditions of the eye in adults. Examples include:herpes zoster keratitisocular rosaceaallergic conjunctivitisiritiscyclitisinfectious conjunctivitissuperficial punctate keratitis Lotemax is a short-term treatment. 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. And ophthalmic (eye) corticosteroids can cause certain side effects. For more information about Lotemax and its uses, refer to this in-depth article on the drug. Like other drugs, Lotemax can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the more common side effects of Lotemax

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects while using Lotemax. Below are a few of the more common ones reported in studies* of Lotemax ointment, gel eye drops, and suspension (eye drops). These side effects can vary depending on the reason the drug is prescribed. They can also vary with the form of Lotemax being used. More common side effects in people using Lotemax for treatment of pain and inflammation after eye surgery include:swelling of the corneaeye paina sensation that something is in your eyeeye inflammation†eye redness† More common side effects in people using Lotemax suspension (eye drops) for certain inflammatory eye conditions include:blurry visionteary eyesdry eyesburning when drops are appliedheadache† * Lotemax SM studies did not report any side effects.
† To learn more about this side effect, go to the “Side effects explained” section below.

What are the mild side effects of Lotemax

Some people may experience mild side effects during their Lotemax treatment. In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Lotemax unless your doctor recommends it. Examples of mild side effects include:blurry visiondry eyesitchy eyesteary eyesswelling of the corneaeye paina sensation that something is in your eyelight sensitivityburning when eye drops are appliedheadache*eye inflammation*eye redness* Lotemax may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. Refer to the drugs’ prescribing information for details:Lotemax eye ointmentLotemax gel eye dropsLotemax SM gel eye dropsLotemax eye drops Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lotemax, visit MedWatch. * To learn more about this side effect, go to the “Side effects explained” section below.

What are the serious side effects of Lotemax

Serious side effects are possible from Lotemax, but they aren’t common. Your risk for certain serious side effects increases the longer the drug is used. Serious side effects include:eye infectioncataractsglaucomaslow wound healing after cataract surgerysevere allergic reaction* If you develop serious side effects while using Lotemax, call your doctor right away. And if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. * An allergic reaction is possible after using Lotemax. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

FAQs about Lotemax s side effects

Get answers below to some frequently asked questions about side effects of Lotemax.

Can Lotemax cause any long-term side effects

Yes. Possible long-term side effects from Lotemax include:glaucomacataractseye infection The risk of these side effects increases the longer the drug is used. Lotemax is meant to be a short-term treatment usually used for up to 14 days. Glaucoma can occur from increased pressure in your eye and cause symptoms such as blurry vision or blind spots in your eye. Your peripheral vision may be affected as well. Because of this risk, your doctor will likely monitor the pressure in your eye if you use Lotemax for 10 days or longer. Lotemax may be used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgery, such as cataract surgery. But long-term use of ophthalmic corticosteroids such as Lotemax can also cause cataracts. (With cataracts, you may have cloudy vision, double vision, light sensitivity, or see small dots or halos.) Also, using Lotemax after cataract surgery may slow down the healing process. After surgery, you’ll likely have a follow-up visit with your doctor so they can check your vision and confirm that you’re healing properly. Eye infections can develop with Lotemax and have long-term effects if left untreated. Infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. Lotemax can also worsen existing eye infections. Symptoms of eye infections include eye discharge, pain, redness, light sensitivity, or feeling like you have something in your eye. Because of this risk, tell your doctor if you have new symptoms or if your eyes feel worse within 2 days of starting Lotemax treatment. For more information about the long-term side effects of Lotemax, talk with your doctor.

Do Lotemax eye drops cause any systemic side effects

It’s not likely. Lotemax was designed to be absorbed mostly in the eye. This reduces systemic side effects (meaning those that affect your whole body). Studies suggest that there isn’t much Lotemax systemic absorption. One study showed the level of the active ingredient* in Lotemax (loteprednol) to be low or undetectable after administration in the eye. So, Lotemax eye drops aren’t likely to affect your whole body. Most of the common side effects of Lotemax affect the eyes. (Go to “What are the more common side effects of Lotemax ” above for more details.) Some possible side effects that aren’t related to the eye include:headachenasal inflammationthroat inflammation Talk with your doctor to learn more about systemic side effects while using Lotemax. * An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

What side effects can occur with ophthalmic corticosteroids like Lotemax

Certain side effects can occur with ophthalmic corticosteroids, which are administered into or around the eye. Lotemax belongs to this group of drugs. The risk of certain side effects increases the longer the drug is used. As a drug group, ophthalmic corticosteroids may cause side effects, including:glaucomacataractsincreased pressure in the eyeslow healing after cataract surgeryincreased risk of eye infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)worsening of eye infectionstears to the cornea or sclera of your eye, thinned from certain eye disorders Talk with your doctor to learn more about side effects of Lotemax and ophthalmic corticosteroids.

Side effects explained

Learn more about some of the side effects Lotemax may cause. Some side effects may occur more often with one form of Lotemax than another. This is based on how often side effects occurred in separate studies of Lotemax eye ointment, Lotemax gel drops, Lotemax suspension drops, and Lotemax SM gel drops. (Note that Lotemax SM studies did not report any side effects.)

Eye redness

Lotemax can cause the whites of your eyes to appear red. Your doctor might refer to this redness as conjunctival hyperemia. The amount of redness in your eye can vary. Eye redness is a common side effect that was reported more often in Lotemax ointment studies. The redness is caused when the blood vessels in your eyes enlarge, allowing more blood to enter the area. Eye redness can also result from a surgical procedure. If you have eye redness that doesn’t go away while using Lotemax, talk with your doctor.

What might help

In general, avoiding irritants may help relieve symptoms of eye redness. Irritants include smoke, pollen, and chemical fumes. Limiting screen time on devices such as phones, computers, or TV may help reduce eyestrain. You can ease redness by applying a cool compress to your eyes a few times per day. Before using over-the-counter medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist. They can make recommendations on which products to use, if any. Talk with your doctor if you have pain or vision changes along with your eye redness. They may request that you come in for an eye examination to determine what’s causing your symptoms.

Headache

In studies, some people using Lotemax experienced headaches. It was more commonly reported in those using Lotemax suspension (eye drops). Symptoms of headache can include head pain that is dull, constant, throbbing, or sharp.

What might help

If your headaches are mild, you may be able to manage them at home. To help ease headache pain, try taking a warm bath or applying a cool compress to your head. Getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress can help prevent headaches. If your headaches are severe or become bothersome during Lotemax treatment, talk with your doctor.

Eye inflammation

Inflammation of the eye between the cornea and the iris is common during Lotemax treatment. It was often reported in Lotemax studies. Symptoms may include eye redness, pain, vision changes, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Keep in mind that these symptoms are also commonly caused by the eye conditions that Lotemax is used to treat. In fact, these symptoms should ease during Lotemax treatment.

What might help

If you have symptoms of eye inflammation that aren’t getting better within a few days of using Lotemax, or if your symptoms get worse, tell your doctor. They may want to examine your eyes again. They may also recommend other treatment options if they determine Lotemax isn’t working well enough.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Lotemax can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:skin rashitchinessflushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feetswelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Lotemax, they’ll decide if you should continue using it. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lotemax, they may have you switch to a different treatment.Keeping track of side effects During your Lotemax treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. Your side effect notes can include things such as:what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effecthow soon you had the side effect after starting that dosewhat your symptoms werehow it affected your daily activitieswhat other medications you were takingany other information you feel is important Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Lotemax affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Warnings for Lotemax

If you have certain medical conditions, Lotemax may not be right for you. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether this medication is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before using Lotemax. Below are some factors to consider. Glaucoma. Using Lotemax for a long period of time may increase the pressure in your eye, which can lead to glaucoma. If you use Lotemax for 10 days or longer, your doctor will likely monitor the pressure in your eye. Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lotemax or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lotemax. Ask them about other medications that might be better options for you. Slow healing after cataract surgery. Long-term use of Lotemax may cause cataract formation and can slow healing after cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have a planned cataract surgery. And be sure to let them know if you develop symptoms such as cloudy vision or other vision changes while using Lotemax. Eye disorders with sclera or cornea thinning. In some cases, tears have occurred in eye structures such as the cornea and sclera that had thinned from certain eye disorders. Discuss your medical history with your doctor to determine whether Lotemax is the right drug for you. Eye infection. Your risk of eye infection increases with Lotemax use. Eye infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. If you have certain eye infections, Lotemax may worsen them. For this reason, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lotemax if you have a current infection in your eye(s). Talk with them about the treatment option that’s best for you.

Alcohol and Lotemax

There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Lotemax. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about a safe amount while using this medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Lotemax

The safety of using Lotemax during pregnancy is unknown. It’s also not known whether this drug passes into human breast milk or the effects in a breastfed child if it does. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether Lotemax is the right treatment for you. You can also talk with them about breastfeeding and the best way to feed your child while using Lotemax.

What to ask your doctor

Some mild side effects are common with Lotemax. But serious side effects can occur in some cases. To find out how often side effects occurred with the different forms of Lotemax, refer to the prescribing information:Lotemax eye ointmentLotemax gel eye dropsLotemax SM gel eye dropsLotemax suspension eye drops The side effects of this medication can vary depending on the form you use and the condition you’re using it to treat. Your doctor can give you more information about Lotemax’s side effects. Below are some questions you may want to ask them.Gel eye drops are the only form of Lotemax approved for children. Is this because the other forms cause more side effects?How do Lotemax’s side effects compare to other ophthalmic corticosteroids used for treating eye inflammation and pain?How can I tell the difference between Lotemax’s side effects and the symptoms of my eye condition? 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 19, 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.Farkouh A, et al. (2016). Systemic side effects of eye drops: A pharmacokinetic perspective.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153265/Lotemax (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel) 0.5%, for topical ophthalmic use. (2020).
lotemaxgel.com/siteassets/pdf/lotemaxgel-package-insert.pdfLotemax (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic ointment) 0.5%, for topical ophthalmic use. (2020).
accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/200738s003lbl.pdfLotemax (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.5%. (2020).
pi.bausch.com/globalassets/pdf/PackageInserts/Pharma/lotemax-package-insert.pdf?ver=2016-09-26-093910-470Lotemax SM (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel) 0.38%, for topical ophthalmic use. (2020).
lotemaxsm.com/siteassets/hcp/pdfs/lotemax-sm-package-insert.pdfOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Dedra Weiss, PharmD Edited By Phoebe Campbell Medically Reviewed By Patricia Weiser, PharmD Share this articleMedically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD — By Dedra Weiss, PharmD on September 19, 2022

related stories

All About the Eye: Structure, Function, and Common Conditions10 Ways to Improve Your EyesightOptometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What’s the Difference?What You Need to Know About Eye RednessCan Supplements Improve Eye Health and Vision?

Read this next

All About the Eye: Structure, Function, and Common ConditionsMedically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D. The eye is a complex and delicate mechanism. Knowing the different parts of the eye and how they function will help you recognize vision problems or…READ MORE10 Ways to Improve Your EyesightMedically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. Getting regular eye checkups is just one of many ways you can get better eyesight. Keep reading to learn other ways you can improve your vision.READ MOREOptometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What’s the Difference?Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist: Either can help with your eye health. We help clarify which eye care provider you need.READ MOREWhat You Need to Know About Eye RednessMedically reviewed by Leela Raju, MD Red eyes occur when the vessels in your eye become swollen or irritated. Discover when to see a doctor, treatment, and more.READ MORECan Supplements Improve Eye Health and Vision?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Some supplements may improve eye health, though more research is needed.READ MORE10 Products You Need If You Stare at a Screen All DayMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD Pandemic upped your screen time? Us, too. Thankfully, these 10 products can help you combat eye strain, stress, and more.READ MOREWhat It Means to Have a Wrinkled Retina A wrinkled retina — also known as a macular pucker — is when fine wrinkles appear on the surface of the retina in an area called the macula. READ MOREWhat It Means to Have a Hole in Your Retina A hole in the retina is a small opening that forms in the light-sensitive part of the eye. Many cases don’t have an obvious cause.READ MOREThe Progression of Diabetic Macular Edema A visual guide to the changes that may happen with your vision as diabetic macular edema progresses.READ MOREReusable Contact Lenses May Increase Risk of Contracting Rare Preventable Eye Infection Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare, but researchers say people who wear disposable contact lenses are at higher risk of getting the serious eye infectionREAD MORE