loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: LOE te PRED nol and TOE bra MYE sin off THAL mik

Brand: Zylet

What is the most important information I should know about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection in your eye (including herpes or chickenpox).

What is loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Loteprednol is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loteprednol or tobramycin, or other steroids. You should not use if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection in your eye (including herpes or chickenpox).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • glaucoma;
  • cataracts (or if you have recently had cataract surgery); or
  • herpes infection of your eye.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

How should I use loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic is unlikely to cause serious side effects.

What should I avoid while using loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

What are the possible side effects of loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • signs of a new eye infection such as itching, swelling, redness, pain, irritation, or drainage;
  • blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • a cloudy or hazy appearance over your eye or in your vision; or
  • severe pain, burning or stinging when using the eye drops.

Common side effects may include:

  • minor burning or stinging when using the eye drops;
  • increased sensitivity to light;
  • watery eyes;
  • puffy eyelids; or
  • headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on loteprednol and tobramycin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic.


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.

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