Alrex Eye Drops

The active ingredient in Alrex is loteprednol etabonate, 0.2%. It is an ophthalmic corticosteroid (or steroid) used to temporarily relieve different eye conditions and inflammations when administered directly to the affected eye. However, Alrex is contraindicated in viral diseases of the eye, including conjunctiva and diseases of the cornea.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Alrex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Alrex:

• Shake the medication well before each use
• Remove any contact lenses before using Alrex. The preservative in it, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. You can put your lenses back in after 10 minutes.
• Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket (sac) for the eye drops
• Hold the dropper tip upside-down above your eye and squeeze one drop of Alrex into your lower eyelid
• Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye as this may lead to contamination
• Close your eyes to allow the medication to settle before applying any additional drops prescribed by your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects of Alrex seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Slight burning sensation during instillation
• Sensitivity to light
• Mild eye pain
• Foreign body sensation (feeling like there is something in your eyes)
• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye discomfort
• Dry or watery eyes
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Alrex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe eye pain during instillation or vision change
• Other vision problems, including tunnel vision
• Allergic reaction
• Signs of eye infection, including the symptoms of:
• Discharge
• Swelling
• Redness
• Prolonged use of Alrex may cause:
• Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Cataract formation
• Fungal infections of the cornea
• Damage to the optic nerve
• Delayed wound healing
• Secondary ocular infections

These are not all of the possible side effects of Alrex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Alrex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Preexisting eye infections or eye diseases (including herpes simplex)
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts, or have had cataract surgery
• Other recent eye surgeries
• Adverse reactions to corticosteroids
• Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
• Diabetes
• Are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Are younger than 18 years old
• Wear contact lenses or soft contact lenses

You should not use Alrex if you have any of the following:

• Viral eye infections such as active herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, varicella, or other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva.
• Fungal eye infections, as corticosteroids can worsen these conditions.
• Untreated bacterial eye infections, which should be managed before using Alrex.
• Hypersensitivity to loteprednol or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Ocular tuberculosis in cases of active tuberculosis of the eye.

Alrex typically starts reducing eye inflammation and symptoms like redness, itching, or swelling within a few days of use. Some people may notice improvement sooner, while others may take up to a week or more for significant relief, depending on the severity of their condition.

When Alrex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Amprenavir
• Berotralstat
• Cyclosporine ophthalmic
• Delavirdine
• Diclofenac ophthalmic
• Erythromycin
• Flurbiprofen ophthalmic
• Ketorolac ophthalmic
• Lonafarnib
• Posaconazole
• Smallpox vaccine

Alrex is available as a 0.2% ophthalmic suspension. Other brand names of this medication come in different strengths and dosage forms, including a 0.25% suspension (Eysuvis), 0.5% gel or ointment (Lotemax), and 1% suspension (Inveltys).

Alrex should be stored in its original container at room temperature between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) away from light and moisture. The dropper should be stored upright with the tip sealed between uses. Do not store Alrex in the bathroom and keep away from pets and children.

Alrex is manufactured by Bausch + Lomb.

Yes, loteprednol etabonate (suspension drops/ophthalmic) is the generic for Alrex.

To stop taking Alrex, consult your eye doctor first, as corticosteroid eye drops often require gradual tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation. This helps avoid rebound inflammation or worsening symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. It is not known whether using Alrex will have any effect on your breastfed infant or milk production during lactation.