Chemical Name: LOTEPREDNOL (loe-te-PRED-nol)
Common uses
Alrex is a corticosteroid used to treat swelling, itching, redness, and irritation of the eyes and eyelids. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your physician if you wear contact lenses.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Alrex. Shake well before using a dose. To use Alrex, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eye. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 to 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eye closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. If you wear soft contact lenses and your eyes are not red, use Alrex at least 10 minutes before you put your contacts in. If your eyes are red, do not wear contact lenses while using Alrex. To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed. Store Alrex in an upright position at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Should you skip or forget a dose of Alrex, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Warnings
Do not use Alrex longer than recommended by your physician. Alrex may cause a short-term blurring of vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you can see clearly. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Alrex during pregnancy. The effects of Alrex on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Alrex, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects that may occur while using Alrex include headache, runny nose, blurred vision, or stinging when placed in the eye. If they continue or are bothersome, contact your physician. Consult your physician immediately if you experience changes in vision; eye pain; continued or worsening itching, redness, or swelling; or discharge from your eyes. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve after 2 days and consult your physician if they worsen. Do not let anyone else use Alrex. Do not take Alrex to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Keep this product out of the reach of children.
