Lomide (Lodoxamide Trometamol)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
lodoxamide trometamol
Drug Class
Mast Cell Stabiliser
Used For
seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis
How Taken
eye drops – one drop in each eye, four times daily

What Is Lomide Used For?

Lomide is an eye drop medication that helps treat allergic eye conditions by preventing allergic reactions before they start.

Primary Uses

Lomide treats seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (red, watery, itchy eyes caused by allergens like pollen) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis or spring catarrh (severe allergic eye swelling with intense itching, light sensitivity, and eye discharge). It can also be used as a preventive treatment against seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

How It Works

Lomide contains lodoxamide trometamol, which belongs to a class of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. It works directly on mast cells in your eyes to prevent allergic reactions to stimulants like pollen and dust that cause conjunctivitis.

Prevention Option: Lomide can be used as a preventive treatment to stop seasonal allergic conjunctivitis before it starts – your doctor will advise on treatment duration for allergy season.

How to Take Lomide

Lomide eye drops should be used at regular intervals throughout the day for maximum effectiveness.

Dosage Instructions

Use one drop in each eye, four times a day at regular intervals. Remove contact lenses before applying and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. If using other eye drops, wait 10 minutes after using Lomide. Shake the bottle well before each use. Wash hands thoroughly before and after application. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, use the eye drops as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular timing.

Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Dry or itchy eyes
  • Temporary burning or sharp sensation in eyes
  • Swelling around eyes or eyelids
  • Eye irritation
  • Eye discharge
  • Excessive tears
  • Headache
  • Feeling sick
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry nose
  • Sneezing

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Excessive tear production
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva (thin membrane covering the white of the eye)
  • Anterior chamber cells epitheliopathy (yellowish white lesions in retina)
  • Keratopathy or keratitis (corneal diseases with eye pain, redness, blurred vision)
  • Blepharitis (swollen eyelids with irritation and crusting)
  • Ocular hyperemia (excessive reddening of the white part of the eye)
  • Corneal erosion or abrasion (pain, irritation, redness, blurred vision)
  • Corneal deposits (may decrease vision)
  • Foreign body sensation in eyes
  • Taste disturbance or loss of taste
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Important Warnings

Before using Lomide, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and medications.

Who Should Not Take Lomide

Do not use Lomide if you are allergic to lodoxamide trometamol or any ingredients in the eye drops. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged. Do not use in children under 4 years of age. Do not use while wearing contact lenses as it may cause eye irritation and discolor soft contact lenses.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor about any medicines you take for any condition. Lomide is for eye use only – do not take by mouth or inject.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise you about the potential risks and benefits of using Lomide eye drops during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Contact Lens Warning: Remove contact lenses before using Lomide as it may cause irritation and discolor soft lenses. Wait 15 minutes after application before reinserting lenses.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Lomide and affect how it works.

  • Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about interactions

Alcohol & Driving

Take precautions when driving or operating machinery while using Lomide eye drops.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Lomide eye drops may cause temporary blurred vision or other eye problems in some people. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machinery or tools.

Storage

Store Lomide eye drops below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not freeze the eye drops. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store away from children. Discard any remaining eye drops 28 days after opening the bottle.

Overdose Information

If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm water and consult your doctor. If you accidentally swallow Lomide eye drops, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if your eye problem increases or symptoms do not improve within a few days after starting Lomide eye drops.

No, do not put Lomide eye drops in your eyes while wearing contact lenses as it may cause irritation and discolor soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

You may feel a temporary burning sensation or sharp, painful sensation in your eyes shortly after using Lomide eye drops. This is normal, but contact your doctor, optometrist, or pharmacist immediately if the symptoms persist for a long time.

If you want to use any other eye drops, wait for 10 minutes after using Lomide eye drops before applying the other medication.

Discard any remaining eye drops 28 days after opening the bottle, even if there is medication left.

Do not use Lomide eye drops in children less than four years of age. For children who can use it, wash the child’s hands after applying the eye drops.

If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm water and consult your doctor. You may need urgent medical attention.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.