Lotemax® Ophthalmic Drops for Eye Inflammation

Lotemax ophthalmic drops are a corticosteroid eye medicine used to reduce inflammation and discomfort. It is prescribed after eye surgery and for steroid-responsive conditions. Available with US shipping from Canada, this page explains safe use, options, and how you can pay without insurance.

What Lotemax Is and How It Works

Lotemax® contains loteprednol etabonate, a topical ocular corticosteroid. The drug is designed to act largely at the site of instillation, where it helps slow the release of inflammatory mediators in the eye. By reducing swelling and irritation on the ocular surface, it may ease pain, redness, and photophobia.

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

As a class, Loteprednol ophthalmic suspension works on steroid-responsive inflammation. It is commonly used after ophthalmic procedures. It is also used for certain inflammatory eye diseases when a clinician believes a steroid is appropriate.

You can browse more in our eye care category here: Ophthalmology.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated to treat post‑operative ocular inflammation and pain. It is also used for steroid‑responsive inflammatory conditions involving the conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment when the benefits outweigh risks. Examples include inflammation tied to allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, or blepharitis under a prescriber’s care.

People with active viral diseases of the cornea or conjunctiva, including herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella, should avoid steroid eye drops unless directed by a specialist. Fungal and mycobacterial infections of ocular tissues are also contraindications. Uncontrolled glaucoma, significant corneal thinning, or hypersensitivity to any component are additional reasons to avoid this medicine.

To review allergy-related use cases, see our category: Allergic Conjunctivitis, and broader inflammatory topics: Eye Inflammation.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label. The suspension is typically instilled into the affected eye or eyes several times daily. Dosing may start more frequently for the first day or two after surgery, then continue at regular intervals. Your clinician may taper the schedule based on response.

Lotemax suspension should be gently shaken before each use. Wash hands, tilt your head back, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye without touching it. Instill the prescribed number of drops, then close your eyes for a moment. Avoid rubbing. If you use multiple eye products, separate administrations by at least five to ten minutes. Use gels or ointments last unless told otherwise.

If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using preserved drops and wait the recommended interval before reinsertion. For specific instructions on brands within this class, you can compare formulation details here: Lotemax Vs Alrex and additional background here: What Is Alrex Used For.

Strengths and Forms

Multiple presentations exist; availability may vary by pharmacy and manufacturer.

• Ophthalmic suspension 0.5% in multi-dose bottles; shake well before use.
• Lotemax SM 0.38% gel drops designed for comfortable instillation and surface retention.
• Ophthalmic gel and ointment formats for clinicians who prefer a thicker vehicle, often used at bedtime or when extended contact is desired.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled application, use it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses. Keep a consistent schedule, especially after eye surgery, unless your prescriber changes the plan.

A simple tip: set reminders on your phone or use a dosing chart. If your regimen uses multiple products, plan a sequence and spacing to keep administrations organized throughout the day.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store this medicine at room temperature as directed on the label. Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect it from contamination. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye or fingers. During travel, carry the drops in your hand luggage, along with your prescription details. Use a protective case to prevent leaks, and avoid leaving the bottle in a hot car. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When you travel, pack enough supply for your trip plus a buffer. If your clinician provided a taper plan, bring those notes. If your product requires special handling, our pharmacies support temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This corticosteroid class can help reduce ocular inflammation and associated discomfort after procedures. Many patients appreciate the drop format for daytime use, while gels and ointments can provide longer surface contact when used at night. When used as prescribed, the treatment can support comfort so you can follow post‑operative care, attend follow‑up visits, and protect healing tissues.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary burning or stinging
• Blurred vision after instillation
• Eye irritation or redness
• Dryness or tearing
• Foreign body sensation

Serious risks include increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataract formation with long-term use, delayed healing, corneal thinning or perforation, and secondary ocular infections. Notify your clinician promptly if eye pain, vision changes, or persistent irritation occur. Steroids can mask infection; seek urgent care if you suspect an eye infection.

For a broader look at drop-related reactions, you may find this overview helpful: Combigan Side Effects.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all eye products and systemic medicines you use. Topical steroids used with other intraocular pressure-raising agents require monitoring. If using multiple ophthalmic products, separate them to avoid washout. Avoid soft contact lenses during active inflammation or when using preserved drops unless your clinician approves.

Do not use steroid drops with active viral, mycobacterial, or fungal eye infections. Use with caution if you have glaucoma or a history of steroid response. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people notice improved comfort as inflammation is controlled. Your clinician may reduce frequency over time to limit steroid exposure. Keep all follow‑up appointments so pressure and healing can be monitored. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your prescriber rather than increasing the number of drops on your own.

Adherence tips: keep the bottle where you complete your routine tasks, use reminders, and plan refills before you run low. If you are using both a daytime drop and a nighttime gel or ointment, maintain consistent spacing every day.

Compare With Alternatives

Some clinicians consider lower‑strength or different vehicles based on tolerance and goals. Two options we carry include:

• Alrex® 0 for allergic inflammation when a lower‑strength loteprednol is appropriate.
• Restasis® for chronic dry eye related to inflammation when a calcineurin inhibitor is preferred.

For additional background on these therapies, see: What Is Alrex Used For.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent pricing and support US delivery from Canada. To review your Lotemax eye drops price, select the bottle size and follow the checkout prompts. Many people compare cash-pay options versus insurance copays for this class. You can also see available promotions here: Promotions.

To help you plan, we provide clear product details, verified sourcing, and encrypted checkout. If you have questions about forms or availability, contact our team before placing your order.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength, size, or manufacturer. If a particular bottle or vehicle is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a comparable steroid eye therapy or a different vehicle in the same class. Ask whether a generic loteprednol product fits your plan.

Some patients search for Lotemax eye drops without insurance to compare choices. We show current options so your prescriber and pharmacist can help you decide what suits your treatment goals and budget.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are people who need a short course of topical steroid therapy under supervision, especially after eye surgery. Those with uncontrolled pressure, active ocular infection, or corneal thinning may not be candidates. If you have a history of steroid response, make sure your prescriber plans appropriate monitoring.

• Multi-month planning: discuss whether a larger bottle or additional fills makes sense.
• Refill timing: set reminders so you never interrupt taper schedules.
• Form choice: ask if a gel or ointment at bedtime can reduce daytime instillations.
• Budget review: compare Canadian pricing and cash-pay options during checkout.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a steroid drop the right choice for my diagnosis now?
• How often should I use it, and will I need a taper?
• Should I use a gel or ointment at night for comfort?
• How will you monitor eye pressure while I’m on this therapy?
• What signs mean I should stop and call your office?
• Can I use this with my other prescribed eye products?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Loteprednol Etabonate

Bausch + Lomb: Lotemax Family (HCP)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Add to cart to start your order with prompt, express shipping. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.