DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Alomide

In Canada—

• Alomide

Another commonly used name is lodoxamide trometamol .

Category

• Antiallergic, ophthalmic
• Mast cell stabilizer, ophthalmic

Description

Lodoxamide (loe-DOX-a-mide) ophthalmic solution is used in the eye to treat certain disorders of the eye caused by allergies. It works by acting on certain cells, called mast cells, to prevent them from releasing substances that cause the allergic reaction.

Lodoxamide is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

• Ophthalmic
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lodoxamide, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lodoxamide. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Lodoxamide has not been studied in pregnant women. However, lodoxamide has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether lodoxamide passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of lodoxamide in children up to 2 years of age with use in other age groups. For older children, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of lodoxamide in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use the eye drops :

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

In order for this medicine to work properly, it should be used every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor .

Dosing—The dose of ophthalmic lodoxamide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic lodoxamide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  • For eye allergies:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop four times a day at regularly spaced times for up to three months.
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse, check with your doctor .

Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 03/29/1994
Revised: 09/30/1998

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