Alrex® Eye Drops for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Alrex is a prescription steroid eye drop used to relieve ocular itching related to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. This page explains how the medicine works, who it suits, and how to use it safely. You can access Canadian pharmacy options with US delivery from Canada, even if you are paying without insurance.

What Alrex Is and How It Works

Alrex® contains loteprednol etabonate, a corticosteroid formulated for the eye. As a topical steroid, it helps reduce inflammatory signals that drive redness and itch. The suspension should be shaken before each dose so the active ingredient disperses evenly.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Clinically, Loteprednol 0.2% ophthalmic suspension is considered a “soft” steroid. It is designed to be active where needed, then become inactive after local effect. That design may limit systemic exposure, though steroid-related ocular risks can still occur. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber and follow the official label.

For broader reading on eye care topics, you can explore Combigan Eye Drops Uses Benefits And Safety Tips and see condition basics in Allergic Conjunctivitis. If you need an overview of the eye category, visit Ophthalmology.

Who It’s For

These drops are indicated for temporary relief of itching from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults and in children when a clinician considers steroid therapy appropriate. Some people should avoid steroid eye medicines, including those with most active viral, fungal, or mycobacterial eye infections. Tell your prescriber about any history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, cataracts, recent eye surgery, or contact lens use.

Patients often ask about candidacy for steroid therapy. The phrase Alrex for allergic conjunctivitis refers to this label-backed use. If symptoms stem from infection rather than allergy, a different treatment may be needed.

Dosage and Usage

Use as directed by your prescriber and the product label. A typical schedule for allergic conjunctivitis is one drop in the affected eye or eyes four times daily for a limited course. Shake the bottle well before each dose. Wash hands, tilt your head back, and create a small pocket by pulling the lower lid down. Aim the drop without touching the eye or lashes. Close the eye gently for one to two minutes.

If you use other eye medicines, separate them by at least five to ten minutes. Apply solutions before gels, and use ointments last. Do not wear contact lenses during active eye redness. Remove soft lenses before dosing; the preservative in the drops can discolor soft lenses. Wait until the eye is comfortable and clear, and follow your prescriber’s advice before putting lenses back in.

Prolonged or repeated steroid use may require monitoring of intraocular pressure. Your prescriber may adjust duration based on response. Do not change the dose on your own.

Strengths and Forms

The brand is supplied as an ophthalmic suspension in a small dropper bottle. Commonly available presentation is a 5 mL bottle. Availability can vary by market and by pharmacy partner.

• Loteprednol 0.2% eye drops ophthalmic suspension, 5 mL

Some regions may offer alternative bottle sizes. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about current options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, instill it when you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. Keep doses evenly spaced during the day for consistent relief.

If you feel worse or do not improve after a short, directed course, consult your prescriber. Do not extend treatment without guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tightly closed at room temperature as listed on the label. Keep the bottle upright when possible, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use if the solution changes color, contains particles, or the seal is broken.

For travel, keep the bottle in original packaging with your prescription details. Pack in carry-on luggage to avoid extreme temperatures. Have a copy of your prescription for security when flying. Avoid touching the dropper tip to surfaces to prevent contamination. If you rely on Alrex eye drops for seasonal flares, consider packing a backup bottle when traveling during peak allergy seasons.

For country-of-origin context, see our Canada listing page. General eye wellness tips are also covered in Healthy Vision Month 2025 Eye Health Awareness.

Benefits

This medicine targets inflammatory itch tied to seasonal allergies. It can calm redness and irritation so you can focus on daily tasks more comfortably. Because the active ingredient is designed for ocular use, it may reduce systemic exposure compared with some older steroids. Even so, steroid eye therapies can raise eye pressure in susceptible people. Your prescriber may recommend pressure checks with longer courses.

Many patients value the short course approach for temporary flares. Relief may be aided by allergen avoidance, cool compresses, and spacing other eye products. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration, as advised by your prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Stinging or burning after instillation
• Temporary blurred vision
• Tearing or dryness
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye discomfort or foreign body sensation

Serious risks are uncommon but may include increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataract formation, delayed wound healing, and masking or worsening of ocular infections. Long-term use raises these risks. Stop and contact a prescriber urgently if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or signs of infection such as increased discharge or swelling. People with herpes simplex keratitis or most active ocular infections should not use steroid drops unless a specialist directs otherwise.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Interactions with systemic medicines are limited for topical eye drops, but important cautions remain. Using multiple ocular steroids together can increase steroid-related risks. If you use glaucoma drops, lubricants, antihistamine mast-cell stabilizers, or antibiotic drops, separate administration times. Do not wear soft contact lenses during active inflammation or while dosing unless your prescriber approves. The preservative can be absorbed by soft lenses.

Tell your prescriber about recent eye surgery or trauma, including corneal ulcers or thinning. Report a history of elevated eye pressure or glaucoma. Children may need closer monitoring. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss risks and benefits before use.

What to Expect Over Time

Itching and redness from seasonal allergies may begin to ease after initial doses. Some people notice clearer, more comfortable eyes over several days. Response varies. Use the drops on schedule and avoid rubbing your eyes. If symptoms persist beyond the directed course, check in with your prescriber for re-evaluation. Do not extend therapy without medical advice, as steroid exposure can carry risks with prolonged use.

For background on related therapies, you can read Azopt Eye Drops Doctor Recommended Eye Care Solution and learn how chronic conditions can impact vision in How Diabetes Harms Your Eyes All About Diabetic Retinopathy.

Compare With Alternatives

Options in the same therapeutic area include stronger or different classes of drops. Loteprednol at higher strength is used for more intense inflammation. An antihistamine and mast-cell stabilizer may help when steroid therapy is not needed.

Two pharmacy options to discuss with your prescriber:

• Lotemax Ophthalmic Drops 0 5 10ml Canada for steroid-responsive inflammation requiring a higher loteprednol concentration
• Claritin Allergy Eye Drops for allergic eye itch relief without a steroid

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy sourcing can help you evaluate options and check the Alrex price before you request fulfilment. Current offers may be listed on our Promotions page when available. You can review availability, see transparent pricing details, and ask your prescriber to send a script if appropriate.

Orders typically Ships from Canada to US after prescription validation. Taxes, importation rules, and local fees vary by jurisdiction. We support encrypted checkout and clear order status updates.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by partner pharmacy and by region. If the brand is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative in the same class or a non-steroid option based on your diagnosis and exam findings. Ask whether a Generic for Alrex eye drops option is appropriate in your case, or whether another agent would be a better clinical fit.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are patients with seasonal allergic eye itching who need a short, supervised course of a steroid drop. Those with most active ocular infections, elevated intraocular pressure, or recent ocular surgery require careful evaluation first. If you wear contact lenses, discuss lens timing, hygiene, and alternatives to prevent irritation during treatment.

To manage costs, consider asking your prescriber about the smallest effective bottle size. Multi-month fills are often unnecessary for seasonal use, but some patients benefit from an extra bottle for travel. You can set refill reminders in your account so you do not run out during peak pollen periods. Compare Canadian pricing to local options to decide what works for your budget.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a short steroid course right for my eye allergy symptoms?
• How long should I use this medicine before reassessment?
• Do I need eye pressure checks during or after treatment?
• How should I time these drops with my antihistamine or lubricant drops?
• Is contact lens wear safe while I am using this product?
• What signs mean I should stop and contact you right away?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada DPD
• Bausch + Lomb

Ready to get started? You can place your request with prompt, express shipping and US shipping from Canada after your prescription is verified. This information is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice.