DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: lodoxamide ophthalmic (loe DOX a mide)
Brand Names: Alomide

What is Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Lodoxamide is an antiallergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to allergy-causing substances.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

Burning, stinging, or irritation may occur when the drops are applied. Contact your doctor if these symptoms do not go away.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether lodoxamide passes into breast milk. Do not use lodoxamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Use lodoxamide eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat this process if your other eye if directed by your doctor. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store lodoxamide ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

If lodoxamide has been ingested, symptoms of an overdose include a feeling of warmth, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while using Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Lodoxamide ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses during therapy with this medication. Contact lenses can be used again after therapy with lodoxamide ophthalmic has ended.

Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.

Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic) side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use lodoxamide ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

• burning, stinging, or irritation of the eyes;

• watering, itching, or redness of the eyes;

• blurred vision;

• dry or puffy eyes;

• headache;

• a feeling of warmth;

• dizziness;

• nausea or stomach discomfort;

• sneezing or a dry nose;

• a rash; or

• fatigue.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic)?

Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lodoxamide ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about lodoxamide ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Lodoxamide ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Alomide in a 0.1% solution. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.06. Revision Date: 8/24/04 3:47:18 PM.