Alrex (Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.2%) is a prescription medication used for the short-term relief of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is the most common type of eye allergy, characterized by itchy, red, burning, and watery eyes resulting from an allergic reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and weed pollens. The symptoms of SAC usually appear during the spring, summer, and fall, when allergens are prevalent, and typically subside during the winter months in cooler climates. The active ingredient in Alrex is Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.2%. Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.2% belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation in the eye associated with allergic reactions, thereby easing symptoms such as itching and redness.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Alrex from Canada, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, in the strength of 0.2%/5ml eye drops. The generic Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.2% is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Alrex. The most common side effects of Alrex may include the following:
• Dry eyes;
• Excessive tearing;
• Eye discharge;
• Foreign body sensation;
• Headache;
• Temporary abnormal vision or blurring
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Increased intraocular pressure;
• Photophobia;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of Alrex's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Alrex if you are allergic to Loteprednol Etabonate Ophthalmic Suspension 0.2% or any ingredient in Alrex. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have eye infections;
• Have fungal eye diseases;
• Have glaucoma;
• Have viral diseases of the cornea
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Alrex and other eye medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not use Alrex when pregnant unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. The safety and effectiveness of Alrex eye drops in breastfeeding women have not been established.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Alrex is an eye drop. Use in the eyes only. Please do not take it by mouth. Shake the bottle vigorously before use. Apply one to two drops in the affected eye (s) four times daily. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before reinserting them. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days. If you use this product for 10 days or more, your doctor will have to monitor your intraocular pressure. Treatment with Alrex should not exceed six weeks. Store Alrex at a temperature of 25 °C or below. Do not refrigerate. Keep out of the reach of children.