Alrex Eye Drops (Loteprednol Etabonate)

Alrex (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.2% is a corticosteroid eye drop used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling in the eyes caused by seasonal allergens like pollen. This prescription eye drop comes as a sterile suspension that patients apply directly to the affected eye.

Directions

Alrex is applied directly to the affected eye. The standard dosage is one drop instilled into the affected eye(s) four times daily. Treatment typically continues for up to two weeks, though the duration may vary based on the prescribing doctor’s recommendations.

Before using Alrex:

• Wash hands thoroughly
• Shake the bottle well before each use
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including the eye or fingers
• Remove contact lenses before application (wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them)

Application steps:

• Tilt the head back
• Pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket
• Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze out one drop
• Close the eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes
• Apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of the eye to prevent the medication from draining

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Alrex is loteprednol.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken
• Long-term use can increase eye pressure. Using Alrex for extended periods may lead to glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and affect vision.
• Cataracts may develop with prolonged use. Steroid eye drops like Alrex can increase the risk of cataracts if used for a long time.
• Higher risk of eye infections. Alrex can weaken the eye’s natural defenses, making infections more likely or allowing existing infections to worsen.
• Steroid eye drops can mask symptoms of bacterial infections and may worsen viral infections like herpes simplex of the eye.
• Serious eye damage is possible in rare cases. In people with thinning of the cornea or sclera, steroid eye drops may increase the risk of eye perforation.
• Follow-up exams may be needed. If your symptoms don’t improve within a couple of days, or if you use Alrex for more than 10 days, your eye doctor may need to recheck your eyes.
• Avoid contact lenses if your eye is red. Do not wear contact lenses during active eye irritation, and wait at least 10 minutes after using Alrex before inserting soft contact lenses.
• Keep the dropper tip clean. Do not let the tip touch your eye, fingers, or other surfaces to prevent contamination.
• Use caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety of Alrex during pregnancy or nursing is not fully known, so discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella
• Mycobacterial infection of the eye
• Fungal diseases of ocular structures
• Hypersensitivity to loteprednol etabonate or any other corticosteroids
• Hypersensitivity to any other ingredient of the medication

Side Effects

Common side effects of Alrex include:

• Blurred or abnormal vision
• Burning or stinging when the drops are applied
• Dry or watery eyes
• Itching or a feeling that something is in the eye

These side effects usually affect the treated eye and are often mild. Some people may also notice eye redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or mild eye irritation. Headache, runny nose, or sore throat have been reported in a small number of people.

More serious side effects are less common but possible. Steroid eye drops like Alrex can increase pressure inside the eye, which may lead to optic nerve damage or vision problems if untreated. Long-term use may also increase the risk of cataracts or eye infections. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice worsening eye pain, vision changes, or severe redness or swelling.