Description
Alomide Eye Drops contain the active ingredient Lodoxamide, which works as a mast cell stabilizer to control allergies affecting the eyes. This medication blocks mast cells from releasing the substances that spark an allergic response, effectively reducing symptoms like redness, itching, and watering of the eyes. Classified specifically for ophthalmic use, Alomide is prescribed for conditions such as vernal conjunctivitis and keratitis. These eye drops are designed for multiple daily applications to manage and relieve eye allergy symptoms.
Directions
When using Alomide, wash your hands before application to prevent contamination. Tilt the head back slightly and use a clean finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid, creating a small pocket. Holding the dropper above the eye, squeeze out one drop and close the eye, pressing lightly on the inner corner to prevent the drop from draining away. It's crucial not to let the dropper touch the eye or any other surface to keep it germ-free.
The typical Alomide Eye Drops dosage is one drop in each affected eye, four times a day at regular intervals. If wearing contacts, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions before starting a new medication.
Ingredients
Alomide Eye Drops contain Lodoxamide Tromethamine as the active ingredient. Inactive ingredients may include mannitol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, sodium citrate, and citric acid.
Contraindications
Do not take this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Lodoxamide or any component of the formulation.
Cautions
- Contact a healthcare provider about any of the following before starting Alomide:
- Other medical conditions you have
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Any allergies you may have
- Any medications you are currently taking
- Make sure to use Alomide Eye Drops only for your eyes. They're not meant to be injected or used in any other way.
- If you wear soft contact lenses, you'll need to take them out during treatment with Alomide. This is because the eye drops contain benzalkonium chloride, which can affect your lenses.
- Be careful not to touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye, to avoid contaminating the solution.
- Some people might feel a temporary burning or stinging when they first put the drops in their eyes. If this discomfort doesn't go away quickly, you should tell your doctor.
- Extensive studies have been done to ensure Alomide is safe. These studies have shown no cancer risk or harm to fertility at doses much higher than you would use. However, some tests at very high concentrations showed changes in cell behavior, but these are far above the dose used in humans.
- Alomide falls under Category B for pregnancy, meaning animal studies haven't shown harm to unborn babies at high doses, but there haven't been well-controlled studies in pregnant women. So, if you're pregnant, you should only use Alomide if it's absolutely necessary.
- It's not clear if Alomide passes into breast milk, so if you're breastfeeding, it's best to be cautious and discuss using Alomide with your doctor.
- The safety of Alomide for children under 2 hasn't been established, so it's not recommended for use in this age group.
- Studies have found that Alomide works the same in older adults as it does in younger ones, with no difference in safety or effectiveness.
Side Effects
During clinical trials of Alomide Eye Drops, the most common reactions were temporary burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the drops. Other eye-related side effects reported by 1 to 5% of participants included itching, blurred vision, dry eyes, increased tearing, redness, crystalline deposits, and the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
While less common, some individuals experienced more serious eye issues such as corneal erosion or ulcer, scales on eyelids or lashes, eye pain, swelling, a warming sensation in the eye, fatigue, chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva), corneal abrasion, inflammation, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), allergic reactions, a sticky sensation, and epitheliopathy (disease of the epithelium). Non-ocular side effects were infrequent but included headaches in 1.5% of subjects and, less commonly, sensations of heat, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, stomach discomfort, sneezing, a dry nose, and rash. Patients experiencing severe or persistent side effects should consult their healthcare provider.
References:
Alomide Eye Drops (Lodoxamide) Product Monograph. Fort Worth, TX: Alcon Laboratories; 2003.
About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)
Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 13824