Topical ophthalmic corticosteroid
Loteprednol etabonate
Brand names: Lotemax
Adult dose
Dose: 1–2 drops in affected eye(s) QDS, taper as response permits
Route: Topical (ophthalmic)
Frequency: QDS
Clinical pearls
- 'Soft' steroid — lower IOP-rise risk than dexamethasone
- Specialist supervision for prolonged use
Contraindications
- Viral/fungal/mycobacterial keratitis
- Acute purulent infection
Side effects
- Raised IOP
- Cataract
- Delayed wound healing
- Corneal/scleral thinning
Monitoring
- IOP if >2 weeks use
Reference: BNF; RCOphth; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/loteprednol-etabonate/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
Pathways
- Acute Red Eye / Vision Loss Screen · RCOphth 2020; NICE CKS
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension · ABN; consensus 2018
- Acute Red Eye Assessment · RCOphth / AAO
- Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma · RCOphth / EGS Guidelines
- Retinal Detachment · RCOphth Guidelines / EURETINA
- Diabetic Retinopathy — Screening and Management · NICE NG28 2016 / NHS DES Programme