Lodoxamide (EENT) (Monograph)
Brand name: Alomide
Drug class: Antiallergic Agents
Warning
Lodoxamide tromethamine has been discontinued in the US. Because this drug is no longer available in the US market, the material in this monograph is no longer updated by AHFS DI. If this drug is used in countries other than the U.S., it is essential that the manufacturers’ labeling be consulted for more recently available information.
Introduction
Mast-cell stabilizer.1 2 4 6 7
Uses for Lodoxamide (EENT)
Allergic Ocular Disorders
Symptomatic treatment of certain allergic ocular disorders including vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis (designated an orphan drug by FDA for such use).1 2 3 6 7
Lodoxamide (EENT) Dosage and Administration
Administration
Ophthalmic Administration
Apply topically to the eye as an ophthalmic solution.1 Not for injection.1 Not for subconjunctival injection or introduction directly into anterior chamber of the eye.1 5
Avoid contamination of the solution container.1
Dosage
Available as lodoxamide tromethamine; dosage expressed in terms of lodoxamide.1
Pediatric Patients
Allergic Ocular Disorders
Ophthalmic
Children ≥2 years of age: 1 or 2 drops of a 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 3 months.1 2 6 7
Adults
Allergic Ocular Disorders
Ophthalmic
1 or 2 drops of a 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for up to 3 months.1 2 6 7
Cautions for Lodoxamide (EENT)
Contraindications
-
Known hypersensitivity to lodoxamide or any ingredient in the formulation.a
Warnings/Precautions
General Precautions
Ocular Effects
Possible ocular burning or stinging upon installation.a (See Advice to Patients.)
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category B.a
Lactation
Not known whether lodoxamide is distributed into milk.a Use with caution in nursing women.a
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age.1
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.a
Common Adverse Effects
Ocular burning, stinging, discomfort.a
Lodoxamide (EENT) Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Plasma concentrations are undetectable following topical application to the eye.1
Distribution
Extent
Not known whether lodoxamide is distributed into milk.a
Elimination
Elimination Route
Excreted principally in urine after oral administration.a
Half-life
8.5 hours following oral administration.a
Stability
Storage
Ophthalmic
Solution
15–27°C.a
Actions
-
Prevents the activation and release of inflammatory mediators from cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions, including mast cells, and inhibits chemotaxis of eosinophils.1 2 4 6 7
-
Exhibits no direct vasoconstrictor, antihistaminic, or anti-inflammatory activity.1 4 6
Advice to Patients
-
Importance of learning and adhering to proper administration techniques to avoid contamination of the product.a
-
Importance of not wearing soft contact lenses during therapy (since benzalkonium chloride preservative may be absorbed by the lenses).a
-
Importance of contacting clinician if burning or stinging experienced during instillation persists.a
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs as well as any concomitant illnesses.
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.a
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.a (See Cautions.)
Additional Information
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic |
Solution |
0.1% (of lodoxamide) |
Alomide (with benzalkonium chloride) |
Alcon |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions March 10, 2025. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
1. Alcon. Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic solution) 0.1% prescribing information. Fort Worth, TX; 1993 Nov.
2. Caldwell DR, Verin P, Hartwich-Young R et al. Efficacy and safety of lodoxamide 0.1% vs cromolyn sodium 4% in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 1992; 113:632-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1598953
3. Food and Drug Administration. Orphan designations pursuant to section 526 of the Federal Food and Cosmetic Act as amended by the Orphan Drug Act (P.L. 97-414), to June 30, 1993. Rockville, MD; 1993 Jul.
4. Yanni JM, Weimer LK, Glaser RL et al. Effect of lodoxamide on in vitro and in vivo conjunctival immediate hypersensitivity responses in rats. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1993; 101:102-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7684628
5. Alcon, Fort Worth, TX: Personal communication.
6. Anon. Lodoxamide for vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994; 36:26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8121328
7. Santos CI, Huang AJ, Abelson MB et al. Efficacy of lodoxamide 0.1% ophthalmic solution in resolving corneal epitheliopathy associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 1994; 117:488-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8154531
a. Alcon. Alomide (lodoxamide ophthalmic solution) 0.1% prescribing information. Fort Worth, TX; 2003.
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More about lodoxamide ophthalmic
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
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