DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Lodoxamide (loe-DOX-a-mide)
Brand Name: Alomide

Alomide is used for:

Treating inflammation of the eye caused by certain conditions.

Alomide is a mast cell stabilizer. Exactly how Alomide works is unknown, but it prevents the release of chemicals in the eye that cause inflammation.

Do NOT use Alomide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Alomide

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Alomide :

Some medical conditions may interact with Alomide . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you wear contact lenses

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Alomide . However, no specific interactions with Alomide are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Alomide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Alomide :

Use Alomide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Alomide is for use in the eye only. Do not get Alomide in the nose or mouth.
• To use Alomide , first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using 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 eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. 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. To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• Alomide contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Check with your doctor before wearing contact lenses while you are using Alomide .
• If you miss a dose of Alomide , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alomide .

Important safety information:

• Alomide may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Alomide .
• Do not use Alomide for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor.
• Use Alomide with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while using Alomide , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Alomide during pregnancy. It is unknown if Alomide is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Alomide , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Alomide :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; burning, stinging, or itching in the eye; dry eyes; eye discomfort; headache; red or bloodshot eyes; sensation of something in the eye; tearing.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); eye discharge; scales on the eyelid or eyelash; severe or persistent burning, stinging, or itching; vision changes; swelling of the eye or eyelid.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; increased urination; loose stools; nausea; severe or persistent headache; sweating; tiredness; warmth or flushing.

Proper storage of Alomide :

Store Alomide at room temperature, between 59 and 80 degrees F (15 and 27 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Alomide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Alomide , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Alomide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Alomide . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.