Alrex Information
Alrex () Description
Alrex () ® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) contains a sterile, topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid for ophthalmic use.
Loteprednol etabonate is a white to off-white powder.
Loteprednol etabonate is represented by the following structural formula:
CHClO Mol. Wt. 466.96
Chemical Name:
chloromethyl 17α-[(ethoxycarbonyl)oxy]-11β-hydroxy-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carboxylate
ACTIVE: Loteprednol Etabonate 2 mg (0.2%);
INACTIVES: Edetate Disodium, Glycerin, Povidone, Purified Water and Tyloxapol. Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH to 5.4-5.5. The suspension is essentially isotonic with a tonicity of 250 to 310 mOsmol/kg.
PRESERVATIVE ADDED: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%.
Alrex () Clinical Pharmacology
Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing. They inhibit the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation. There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids.
However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A. Corticosteroids are capable of producing a rise in intraocular pressure.
Loteprednol etabonate is structurally similar to other corticosteroids. However, the number 20 position ketone group is absent. It is highly lipid soluble which enhances its penetration into cells. Loteprednol etabonate is synthesized through structural modifications of prednisolone-related compounds so that it will undergo a predictable transformation to an inactive metabolite. Based upon and preclinical metabolism studies, loteprednol etabonate undergoes extensive metabolism to inactive carboxylic acid metabolites.
Results from a bioavailability study in normal volunteers established that plasma levels of loteprednol etabonate and Δ cortienic acid etabonate (PJ 91), its primary, inactive metabolite, were below the limit of quantitation (1 ng/mL) at all sampling times. The results were obtained following the ocular administration of one drop in each eye of 0.5% loteprednol etabonate 8 times daily for 2 days or 4 times daily for 42 days. This study suggests that limited (
Alrex () Indications And Usage
Alrex () Ophthalmic Suspension is indicated for the temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Alrex () Contraindications
Alrex () , as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. Alrex () is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids.
Alrex () Warnings
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections.
In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids. In acute purulent conditions of the eye, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection.
Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex).
Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution.
Alrex () Precautions
For ophthalmic use only. The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order beyond 14 days should be made by a physician only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining.
If signs and symptoms fail to improve after two days, the patient should be re-evaluated.
If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored.
Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local steroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use. Fungal cultures should be taken when appropriate.
This product is sterile when packaged. Patients should be advised not to allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the suspension. If redness or itching becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to consult a physician.
Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. Alrex () should not be used to treat contact lens related irritation.
The preservative in Alrex () , benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Patients who wear soft contact lenses , should be instructed to wait at least ten minutes after instilling Alrex () before they insert their contact lenses.
Alrex () Adverse Reactions
Reactions associated with ophthalmic steroids include elevated intraocular pressure, which may be associated with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection from pathogens including herpes simplex, and perforation of the globe where there is thinning of the cornea or sclera. Ocular adverse reactions occurring in 5-15% of patients treated with loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension (0.2% - 0.5%) in clinical studies included abnormal vision/blurring, burning on instillation, chemosis, discharge, dry eyes, epiphora, foreign body sensation, itching, injection, and photophobia. Other ocular adverse reactions occurring in less than 5% of patients include conjunctivitis, corneal abnormalities, eyelid erythema, keratoconjunctivitis, ocular irritation/pain/discomfort, papillae, and uveitis. Some of these events were similar to the underlying ocular disease being studied.
Non-ocular adverse reactions occurred in less than 15% of patients. These include headache, rhinitis and pharyngitis.
In a summation of controlled, randomized studies of individuals treated for 28 days or longer with loteprednol etabonate, the incidence of significant elevation of intraocular pressure (≥10 mm Hg) was 2% (15/901) among patients receiving loteprednol etabonate, 7% (11/164) among patients receiving 1% prednisolone acetate and 0.5% (3/583) among patients receiving placebo. Among the smaller group of patients who were studied with Alrex () , the incidence of clinically significant increases in IOP (≥10 mm Hg) was 1% (1/133) with Alrex () and 1% (1/135) with placebo.
Alrex () Dosage And Administration
SHAKE VIGOROUSLY BEFORE USING.
One drop instilled into the affected eye(s) four times daily.
Alrex () How Supplied
Alrex () ® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension, 0.2%) is supplied in a plastic bottle with a controlled drop tip in the following sizes:
5 mL (NDC 24208-353-05) - AB35307
10 mL (NDC 24208-353-10) - AB35309
Alrex () Storage
Store upright between 15°–25°C (59°–77°F). DO NOT FREEZE.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Alrex () Manufacturer Information
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Tampa, Florida 33637
U.S. Patent No. 4,996,335U.S. Patent No. 5,540,930 U.S. Patent No. 5,747,061
©Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedAlrex () ® is a registered trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
Revised August 2008
9007902 (Folded)9005502 (Flat)
Alrex () Principal Display Panel
NDC 24208-353-10
Bausch & Lomb Alrex () loteprednol etabonate ophthmalic suspension 0.2% SterileRx only 10 mL
