What is Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Lodoxamide is an allergy medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms in response to allergy-causing substances.
Lodoxamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat seasonal eye symptoms such as inflammation, itching, redness, and burning.
Lodoxamide ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use lodoxamide while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using lodoxamide before putting your contact lenses in.
Stop using lodoxamide and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops, or for long periods of time after using the drops.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to lodoxamide.
FDA pregnancy category B. Lodoxamide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether lodoxamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Lodoxamide Ophthalmic Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using lodoxamide and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops, or for long periods of time after using the drops.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild burning, stinging, or eye irritation
- eye itching, watering, pain, or redness
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
- swollen or puffy eye lids
- feeling that something is in your eye; or
- crusting or drainage from your eyes
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Lodoxamide Ophthalmic Interactions
What other drugs affect Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on lodoxamide ophthalmic. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Lodoxamide Ophthalmic Dosage
How should I take Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not use lodoxamide while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using lodoxamide before putting your contact lenses in.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at cool room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of lodoxamide ophthalmic applied to the eyes is not likely to occur.
What happens if I miss a dose of Lodoxamide Ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com