Alrex is a steroid medicine (corticosteroids) made up of loteprednol. It can be purchased as Alrex (brand) or as loteprednol (generic), and comes in a strength of 0.20%. It usually comes in a white bottle with a pink cap.

Alrex is a medication used to (temporarily) help relieve inflammation in the eye, such as swelling, redness and itching. Some of the conditions where one may be prescribed Alrex include allergies, shingles, and severe acne.

Loteprednol is used because it is a corticosteroid, which are steroids that resemble cortisol (a natural hormone in your body) and work by decreasing inflammation and reducing activity of the immune system.

Follow directions given by your doctor. The average dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times daily.

• Shake the bottle before use
• Tilt your head back
• Look upward
• Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eye lid
• Hold dropper above eye; apply 1 drop into the pouch
• Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes

Do not wear contacts while using this medication

Avoid allowing the tip, where the medicine is dispensed, from touching anything other than the lid it came with otherwise you risk bacteria getting on the bottle and into your medication resulting in an eye infection.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.

Avoid putting solution directly on your cornea; create a pouch by pulling back your lower eyelid.

Tell your doctor about any current or past eye problems you have.

This medication may not be safe to use while breast feeding; consult your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had glaucoma or cataracts.

Visit your doctor if you have been using Alrex for more than 10 days as you may need to check on the pressure in your eyes.

Common side effects may include:

minor burning when using the eye drops; eye pain, blurred vision; dry or watery eyes; feeling like something is in your eye; your eyes may be more sensitive to light; headache; or runny nose, sore throat.

Call your doctor if:

pain when using the eye drops; worsening redness or itching; eye pain or swelling, trouble closing your eye;pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes; tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights; or signs of eye infection--redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

What is the best way to store this medication?

Do not freeze this medication, keep in upright position at room temperature.

My 13-year-old has the same condition as I do, can I share my eye drops?

For one, Alrex is not meant for those under 18. Secondly, never share your medication with others as bacteria can become present and cause infections.

I missed a dose, can I double up on drops?

NO! Never double your dosage. Only take it if your next dose is not yet approaching

What is the average recommended dose?

Apply one drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times per day.