Approved uses
Post-operative inflammation and pain after cataract surgery
Approximately a 1/2 inch ribbon into the conjunctival sac(s) QID beginning 24 hours after surgery, continuing through the first 2 post-operative weeks
By day 8, 76% are pain free and 28% have complete resolution of anterior chamber inflammation.
Contraindications
- Most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella.
- Mycobacterial infection of the eye.
- Fungal diseases of ocular structures.
Available Forms0.5% ointment (loteprednol etabonate 5 mg/g), 3.5 g tube
Mechanism of ActionCorticosteroid: binds and activates the glucocorticoid receptor and is thought to inhibit prostaglandin production through several independent mechanisms, suppressing the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition of post-operative inflammation, while probably delaying healing. Systemic exposure from this ointment has not been studied in humans; the label states that QID dosing is not expected to exceed exposures attained with the 0.5% suspension dosed up to 2 drops QID, and in the suspension bioavailability study (1 drop OU 8 times daily for 2 days, or QID for 42 days) plasma drug and primary metabolite stayed below the 1 ng/mL limit of quantitation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pediatric Use