Lacrison Eye Drop

Indications

0.5% Ophthalmic Suspension: This formulation is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and the anterior segment of the eye that respond to steroids. Conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, and cyclitis. It also aids in managing inflammation following eye surgery.

1% Ophthalmic Suspension: Intended for similar steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions as the 0.5% suspension, this stronger formulation is effective for allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, and cyclitis. It is also beneficial for postoperative inflammation.

0.5% Ophthalmic Ointment: Lacrison is designed to address steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions affecting the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the eye, including allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, and uveitis. It is also effective in alleviating postoperative inflammation and discomfort after ocular surgery.

Ophthalmic Gel: This gel formulation targets postoperative inflammation and discomfort after eye surgery. It is also useful for treating steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the eye, including allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, and cyclitis.

Pharmacology

Corticosteroids, including those in our ophthalmic formulations, work by modulating the inflammatory response. They help reduce edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and scar formation linked to inflammation. While the exact mechanism of action for ocular corticosteroids isn’t fully understood, they are believed to work by inducing lipocortins—proteins that inhibit phospholipase A2. This action reduces the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes by blocking the release of their precursor, arachidonic acid.

Dosage & Administration

0.5% Ophthalmic Suspension:

• For ocular inflammation: Place 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) four times daily.
• Postoperative inflammation: Start 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) four times daily, beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing for the first two weeks.

1% Ophthalmic Suspension:

• For ocular inflammation: Administer 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the eye(s) twice daily.
• Postoperative inflammation: Begin 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the operated eye(s) twice daily, starting 24 hours after surgery and continuing for the first two weeks.

0.5% Ophthalmic Ointment: Apply a small amount (approximately a 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) four times daily, starting 24 hours post-surgery and continuing for the first two weeks of recovery.

Ophthalmic Gel: Place 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye four times daily, starting the day after surgery and continuing for the first two weeks.

Use in Children: The safety and efficacy of this medication in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No significant differences in safety or efficacy have been noted between elderly and younger patients.

Note: Use as directed by your physician.

Interactions

Lacrison, when administered topically, is not absorbed into the bloodstream in detectable amounts and is not expected to interact with systemically administered medications.

Contraindications

Lacrison is contraindicated in cases of viral infections of the eye such as epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella, as well as in mycobacterial or fungal infections of the ocular structures. It should not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to its ingredients or other corticosteroids.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of ophthalmic steroids include elevated intraocular pressure, which may lead to optic nerve damage, visual acuity changes, posterior subcapsular cataracts, secondary ocular infections, and perforation of the eye globe in cases of corneal or scleral thinning. Common ocular adverse effects occurring in 5%-15% of patients include blurred vision, burning sensations, chemosis, discharge, dry eyes, excessive tearing, foreign body sensation, itching, conjunctival injection, and light sensitivity. Less common ocular reactions include conjunctivitis, corneal issues, eyelid redness, keratoconjunctivitis, and ocular irritation. Non-ocular side effects such as headaches, rhinitis, and pharyngitis occur in less than 15% of patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C: There are no well-established clinical data for the use of Loteprednol Etabonate during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity, and the potential risk to humans is unknown. This medication should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. It is uncertain whether topical ophthalmic administration results in sufficient systemic absorption to affect breast milk, so caution is advised when used by nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

If symptoms persist beyond two days, reevaluate the patient’s condition. For extended use beyond ten days, monitor intraocular pressure. Consider potential fungal infection in persistent corneal ulcers if steroids are used. Advise patients to consult a physician if symptoms worsen and to avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic Steroid Preparations

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C in a dry place, shielded from light. Avoid contact between the tube tip and surfaces. Discard one month after opening and protect from freezing.