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Home > Drug Category > Allergy Medication > Alomide and Equivalent

Alomide Information

Alomide (Lodoxamine) is used to treat specific allergic eye conditions. Its primary use is for chronic inflammatory diseases like vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a severe, recurring allergic condition of the eye that can cause intense itching, redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation due to inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye, and is most common in children and young adults. Alomide, with the active ingredient lodoxamide, is a mast cell stabilizer. Lodoxamide works by stabilizing mast cells in the eye, thereby preventing them from releasing histamines and other inflammatory chemicals in response to an allergen. Unlike other allergy medicines like antihistamines that block the effects of histamine after it's been released, lodoxamide gets ahead of the problem, stopping the inflammatory cascade before it fully begins. This mechanism helps to reduce symptoms and provide long-term relief for those suffering from chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Although its effect is not instant and requires several days to weeks of regular use, it is beneficial for long-term prevention of the symptoms.

Alomide Side Effects

Some common side effects of this medication include bad taste in the mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes or dry nose, eye discomfort, eye redness, watery eyes, headache, nausea, sneezing, and white deposits on the eye surface. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects last or get worse.

Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Abdominal discomfort;
• Body rash;
• Damage and scarring of the cornea;
• Fast or pounding heartbeat;
• Vision changes

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Alomide Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lodoxamide or any other ingredients in Alomide. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions. It is advisable to avoid driving or other activities that require clear vision until your vision has cleared after using the eye drops, as it can cause temporarily blurred vision. If you use contact lenses, remove them before putting lodoxamide eye drops in your eyes. Also, do not put the contact lenses back in for at least 15 minutes after using these eye drops. Check with your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 4 years. Lodoxamide may interact with other topical eye medicines, causing adverse effects. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including other topical medications, that you are taking before using Alomide to prevent potential drug interactions.

Use Alomide eye drops as directed by your doctor. The recommended dose is one or two drops into the affected eye, 4 times a day at regular intervals. A full course of treatment may last up to three months. If you are using more than one type of eye medicine, the medicines must be used at least 5 minutes apart. Eye ointments should be used last. Always avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, keeping it away from sunlight, moisture, and out of children's reach.

Do I need a prescription to order Alomide?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Alomide.