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Ophthalmic Corticosteroid (Ester-Class)

Loteprednol Etabonate 0.5%

Brand names: Lotemax, Eysuvis

Loteprednol etabonate 0.5% eye drops are a topical ophthalmic corticosteroid used to treat ocular surface and anterior segment inflammation, including post-operative inflammation, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and other steroid-responsive conditions of the eye.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is an ester ("soft") corticosteroid that binds glucocorticoid receptors to suppress inflammatory mediators, and is designed to be metabolised rapidly to inactive products after exerting its local effect, aiming to lower the intraocular pressure-raising potential compared with ketone steroids.

Prescribing in practice

  • As with all ocular corticosteroids it can raise intraocular pressure and accelerate cataract formation, and must not be used in untreated viral (herpes simplex), fungal or mycobacterial eye infections where it may worsen the disease.
  • Reserve for confirmed steroid-responsive inflammation and use for the shortest effective course, tapering rather than stopping abruptly after prolonged use.
  • Shake the suspension before use and review the diagnosis if there is no improvement, since masked infection or rising pressure may be the cause.

Monitoring

Monitor intraocular pressure and the lens/cornea on slit-lamp examination during any course extended beyond a short period.

Counselling the patient

  • Shake the bottle well before each dose and do not let the dropper tip touch the eye or skin.
  • Report any eye pain, worsening redness or blurred vision promptly, as these may signal infection or raised pressure.
  • Attend the arranged pressure check if you are advised to continue the drops.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical ocular corticosteroids are an established treatment for steroid-responsive ocular inflammation, with class risks of raised intraocular pressure and cataract well documented in the SPC and ophthalmology guidance.

Reference: SPC Lotemax 0.5%; Comstock et al. Ophthalmology 2011; FDA Approval Eysuvis 2020; ESCRS Cataract Surgery Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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