Alomide 0.1 % eye drops

Generic name:
Lodoxamide - ophthalmic

Pronunciation
(low-DOX-uh-mide)

Brand name(s)
Alomide

This medication is used to treat certain allergic eye conditions (vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, vernal keratitis). It prevents itching of the eyes that can occur with these conditions. Lodoxamide is known as a mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking certain natural substances (histamine, leukotriene) that cause allergic symptoms.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. Treatment may be continued for as long as 3 months.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

It is best to not wear contact lenses while using this medication.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for the other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using it for the full time prescribed.

It may take up to several days of continued use to see a relief in symptoms. If immediate relief of symptoms (itching) is needed, use other quick-relief medication (such as eye drops containing antihistamines, decongestants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) along with lodoxamide as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Eye burning/stinging/discomfort, feeling as if something is in your eye, dry nose, sneezing, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, watery eyes, dry eyes, sticky feeling in the eye, or crusting in the corner of the eye or on the eyelid may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• eye pain
• swelling in or around the eyes
• warm feeling in the eye
• vision changes

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using lodoxamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. This drug may also rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms after swallowing lodoxamide may include: flushing, feeling of warmth, unusual tiredness, sweating, diarrhea.

Avoid allergens that may be the cause of your allergies. Some common allergens that cause allergic eye conditions include pollen, grasses, weeds, dust mites, and pet dander.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless directed to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.