Loteprednol is in a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Loteprednol ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye swelling caused by surgery, infection, allergies, and other conditions.

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

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using loteprednol before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Stop using loteprednol and call your doctor at once if you have signs of a new eye infection such as swelling, redness, irritation, or drainage, or if you have problems with your vision, or severe pain, burning, or stinging when you use the eye drops.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to loteprednol, or if you have any type of fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of your eye.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• 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 is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether loteprednol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.