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Loteprednol and tobramycin (Ophthalmic)

Generic name: loteprednol and tobramycin [ loe-te-PRED-nol-et-a-BOE-nate, toe-bra-MYE-sin ]
Brand name: Zylet
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 25, 2024.

Uses for loteprednol and tobramycin

Loteprednol and tobramycin ophthalmic (eye) solution or drops is used to treat inflammation or swelling in the eye that is caused by a bacterial infection.

Loteprednol and tobramycin solution is a combination of a steroid (loteprednol) and an antibiotic (tobramycin). Loteprednol reduces swelling and inflammation. Tobramycin works by killing the bacteria or preventing it from growing.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using loteprednol and tobramycin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of loteprednol and tobramycin eye drops in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of loteprednol and tobramycin eye drops in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of loteprednol and tobramycin

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your eye feels better.

To use the eye drops:

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the bottle upright.

Detailed Loteprednol / tobramycin ophthalmic dosage information

prednisone, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, azithromycin ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, triamcinolone, triamcinolone ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, Humira

Precautions while using loteprednol and tobramycin

If you will be using this medicine for more than a few weeks, your eye doctor will check your eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your eye doctor.

Loteprednol and tobramycin eye drops is not for long-term use. Steroid eye drops may cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) or posterior subcapsular cataracts (a rare type of cataract) if used too long. Slow or delayed healing may also occur while you are using this medicine after cataract surgery. You will need to have regular eye exams with your doctor to check for these problems.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine.

Side Effects of loteprednol and tobramycin

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Loteprednol / tobramycin ophthalmic side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Aminoglycoside/Corticosteroid Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Loteprednol

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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