Lodoxamide eye drops belong to the class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. They are used to help relieve eye symptoms such as itching, tearing, and redness caused by allergic reactions, severe eye irritation (vernal keratoconjunctivitis), and certain eye irritations caused by wearing contact lenses. Relief of symptoms usually occurs within several days of starting the medication, but may take up to 4 weeks to get the maximum effect.

Cells called mast cells release histamine and other chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and irritation. These chemicals are responsible for allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes as well as redness, irritation, and the feeling of “something in the eye.” Lodoxamide works by blocking their release.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose of lodoxamide eye drops for adults and children over 4 years of age is 1 or 2 drops in each eye 4 times daily at regular intervals. If possible, start treatment before your usual allergy season.

To avoid contamination of the bottle tip, replace the cap after each use and do not touch the eye, finger, or other surface with the bottle tip. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the drops.

To instill the drops:

• Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower lid down.
• Carefully squeeze out 1 or 2 drops into each eye while looking up toward your forehead.
• Close your eyes gently for a few moments.

If you are not sure how to use the drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each drop of sterile, isotonic solution contains lodoxamide 0.1% w/v as 0.178% w/v lodoxamide tromethamine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.007% w/v as preservative, mannitol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium citrate, tyloxapol, citric acid, edetate disodium, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), and purified water.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lodoxamide or any ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bad taste in the mouth
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry eyes or dry nose
• eye discomfort
• eye and eyelid inflammation (swelling, redness)
• eye redness, discharge, irritation
• headache
• nausea
• sneezing
• white deposits on the eye surface

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal discomfort
• damage and scarring of the cornea
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• rash
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blurred vision: As with other medications that are put directly into the eye, lodoxamide may cause temporarily blurred vision. It is advisable to avoid driving or other activities that require clear vision until your vision has cleared after using the eye drops.

Contact lenses: This medication contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This chemical can build up on contact lenses, making them uncomfortable and occasionally causing damage to the eye. It may also cause discoloration of soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before putting lodoxamide eye drops in your eyes. Do not put the contact lenses back in for at least 15 minutes after using these eye drops.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if lodoxamide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using lodoxamide eye drops have not been established for children under 4 years old.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.