Lodoxamide (EENT) (Monograph)

Brand name: Alomide
Drug class: Antiallergic Agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 10, 2025. Written by ASHP.

Warning

Lodoxamide tromethamine has been discontinued in the US. Because this drug is no longer available in the US market, the material in this monograph is no longer updated by AHFS DI. If this drug is used in countries other than the U.S., it is essential that the manufacturers’ labeling be consulted for more recently available information.

Introduction

Mast-cell stabilizer.

Uses for Lodoxamide (EENT)

Allergic Ocular Disorders

Symptomatic treatment of certain allergic ocular disorders including vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis (designated an orphan drug by FDA for such use).

Lodoxamide (EENT) Dosage and Administration

Administration

Ophthalmic Administration

Apply topically to the eye as an ophthalmic solution. Not for injection. Not for subconjunctival injection or introduction directly into anterior chamber of the eye.

Avoid contamination of the solution container.

Dosage

Available as lodoxamide tromethamine; dosage expressed in terms of lodoxamide.

Pediatric Patients

Allergic Ocular Disorders

Ophthalmic

Children ≥2 years of age: 1 or 2 drops of a 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 3 months.

Adults

Allergic Ocular Disorders

Ophthalmic

1 or 2 drops of a 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 3 months.

Cautions for Lodoxamide (EENT)

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to lodoxamide or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

General Precautions

Ocular Effects

Possible ocular burning or stinging upon installation. (See Advice to Patients.)

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category B.

Lactation

Not known whether lodoxamide is distributed into milk. Use with caution in nursing women.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.

Common Adverse Effects

Ocular burning, stinging, discomfort.

Lodoxamide (EENT) Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Plasma concentrations are undetectable following topical application to the eye.

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether lodoxamide is distributed into milk.

Elimination

Elimination Route

Excreted principally in urine after oral administration.

Half-life

8.5 hours following oral administration.

Stability

Storage

Ophthalmic

Solution

15–27°C.

Actions

Prevents the activation and release of inflammatory mediators from cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions, including mast cells, and inhibits chemotaxis of eosinophils.
Exhibits no direct vasoconstrictor, antihistaminic, or anti-inflammatory activity.

Advice to Patients

Importance of learning and adhering to proper administration techniques to avoid contamination of the product.
Importance of not wearing soft contact lenses during therapy (since benzalkonium chloride preservative may be absorbed by the lenses).
Importance of contacting clinician if burning or stinging experienced during instillation persists.
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs as well as any concomitant illnesses.
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.