Alomide

This medication is used to treat certain allergic eye conditions (vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, vernal keratitis). It prevents itching of the eyes that can occur with these conditions. Lodoxamide is known as a mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking certain natural substances (histamine, leukotriene) that cause allergic symptoms.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

It is best to not wear contact lenses while using this medication.

This medication is used in the affected eye(s), usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Treatment may be continued for as long as 3 months.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for the other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed.

It may take up to several days of continued use to see a relief in symptoms. If immediate relief of symptoms (itching) is needed, use other quick-relief medication (such as eye drops containing antihistamines, decongestants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) along with lodoxamide as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Eye burning/stinging/discomfort, feeling as if something is in your eye, dry nose, sneezing, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, watery eyes, dry eyes, sticky feeling in the eye, or crusting in the corner of the eye or on the eyelid may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: eye pain, swelling in or around the eyes, warm feeling in the eye, vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using lodoxamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. This drug may also rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store dropper bottle upright at room temperature between 59-80 degrees F (15-27 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms after swallowing lodoxamide may include: flushing, feeling of warmth, unusual tiredness, sweating, diarrhea.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Avoid allergens that may be the cause of your allergies. Some common allergens that cause allergic eye conditions include pollen, grasses, weeds, dust mites, and pet dander.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless directed to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.