Lodoxamide

What is Lodoxamide?[edit | edit source]

Lodoxamide (Alomide) is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing the mast cell stabilizer lodoxamide tromethamine for topical administration to the eyes.

Lodoxamide structure

What are the uses of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Lodoxamide (Alomide) is used in the treatment of redness, burning, itching, and swelling of the eyes that is caused by vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

How does this medicine work?[edit | edit source]

Lodoxamide tromethamine is a mast cell stabilizer that inhibits the in vivo Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Lodoxamide therapy inhibits the increases in cutaneous vascular permeability that are associated with reagin or IgE and antigen-mediated reactions.
In addition, lodoxamide prevents the release of other mast cell inflammatory mediators (i.e., SRS-A, slow-reacting substances of anaphylaxis, also known as the peptido-leukotrienes) and inhibits eosinophil chemotaxis.
Although lodoxamide's precise mechanism of action is unknown, the drug has been reported to prevent calcium influx into mast cells upon antigen stimulation.
Lodoxamide has no intrinsic vasoconstrictor, antihistaminic, cyclooxygenase inhibition, or other anti-inflammatory activity.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?[edit | edit source]

This medicine cannot be used in patients with:

Hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?[edit | edit source]

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to mention the medications listed below:

other eye medications

Is this medicine FDA approved?[edit | edit source]

Yes, it is FDA approved.

How should this medicine be used?[edit | edit source]

Recommended dosage:

The dose for adults and children greater than 2 years of age is one to two drops in each affected eye four times daily for up to 3 months.

Administration:

Ophthalmic lodoxamide comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes.
It is usually instilled four times a day.
Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution.
FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY. NOT FOR INJECTION.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

As odoxamide tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.1%

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

Alomide

What side effects can this medication cause?[edit | edit source]

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

burning
stinging
discomfort upon instillation
ocular itching/pruritus
blurred vision
dry eye
tearing/discharge
hyperemia
crystalline deposits
foreign body sensation
corneal erosion/ulcer
scales on lid/lash
eye pain
ocular edema/swelling
ocular warming sensation
ocular fatigue
chemosis
corneal abrasion
keratopathy/keratitis
blepharitis
allergy
sticky sensation
epitheliopathy
heat sensation
dizziness
somnolence
nausea
stomach discomfort
sneezing
dry nose
rash

What special precautions should I follow?[edit | edit source]

As with all ophthalmic preparations containing benzalkonium chloride, patients should be instructed not to wear soft contact lenses during treatment with ALOMIDE. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling lodoxamide and put them back in 10 to 15 minutes later.
Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate the solution.
Patients may experience a transient burning or stinging upon instillation of ALOMIDE. If symptoms persist, the patient should be advised to contact the prescribing physician.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of overdose may include:

temporary sensation of warmth
profuse sweating
diarrhea
light-headedness
feeling of stomach distension

Side effects reported following systemic oral administration may include:

a feeling of warmth or flushing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, sweating, nausea, loose stools, and urinary frequency/urgency.

Management of overdosage:

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.
The physician may consider emesis in the event of accidental ingestion.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit | edit source]

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
ALOMIDE® (lodoxamide tromethamine ophthalmic solution) 0.1% should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Can this medicine be used in children?[edit | edit source]

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Active ingredients:

LODOXAMIDE TROMETHAMINE

Inactive Ingredients:

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
MANNITOL
HYPROMELLOSE
SODIUM CITRATE
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE
EDETATE DISODIUM
TYLOXAPOL
HYDROCHLORIC ACID
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
WATER

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Distributed by:

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, NJ

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?[edit | edit source]

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).

Lodoxamide Resources
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