Can i take lotemax while pregnant

Limited data has been collected on the effects of medications used topically in the treatment of ocular disease during pregnancy. Though some of these medications may be contraindicated for systemic use, the low doses and nature of topical administration often lead to increased safety for ocular use.

Table 1 shows the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA use-in-pregnancy categories and their definitions, which are often used as guides in selecting appropriate medications for use in pregnant women 7. Table 2 shows the FDA categories for many commonly used ophthalmic medications 8. Most of these medications are in category C, indicating that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is worth noting that categorization and definitions are different depending upon the country.

It is likely that these categorizations will change. In December , The U. Food and Drug Administration issued new rules for product labeling for human prescription drugs regarding pregnancy and lactation labeling. For human prescription drug and biological products subject to the Agency's Physician Labeling Rule, the final rule requires that the labeling include a summary of the risks of using a drug during pregnancy and lactation, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Table 1. A Adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities. B Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus; however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. C Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

D Studies, adequate well-controlled or observational, in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy may out-weigh the potential risk. Treatment should be monitored closely. X Studies, adequate well-controlled or observational, in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. The use of the product is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

Table 2. Commonly used ophthalmic medications and their pregnancy categories. Ocular Anti-Hypertensives topical unless otherwise specified. Further investigation and consideration on your part may be warranted when prescribing ophthalmic dosage forms 8. In this case, chlorhexidine and PHMB drops were used to treat the amoebic infection.

A PubMed search for each of these medications returned no results regarding ocular therapeutic use in pregnant humans. However, chlorhexidine has been used for many years as an oral rinse to treat periodontal disease and multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated no increased risks to the fetus when used in pregnant women Given the minimized absorption with punctal occlusion and lack of known adverse effects, we decided to proceed with treatment.

A case report from Sweden describes a similar patient who was pregnant, in the first trimester, and presented with conjunctival injection, stromal keratitis, and a 1 mm hypopyon in the setting of soft contact lens wear. She was also treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics and steroids. Corneal biopsy and contact lens culture confirmed Acanthamoeba infection.

No adverse fetal outcomes were noted in the case report, but her pregnancy was not specifically addressed As Brolene is not approved by the U. FDA at this time, it was not a treatment choice for our patient. Topical antibiotic selection must also be chosen carefully in pregnant patients due to potential effects on the developing fetus. Fluoroquinolones are used commonly to treat corneal ulcers and as postoperative infection prophylaxis.

Though there are no prospective randomized clinical trials of these medications in pregnancy hence classification as category C medications , a study with pregnant women exposed to systemic fluoroquinolones during gestation and matched control subjects demonstrated no changes in rate of spontaneous abortion, fetal distress, prematurity, birth weight, developmental milestones, or musculoskeletal dysfunction Given their relative safety systemically, it is assumed that the risks of ophthalmic use are minimal and the benefits generally will outweigh them.

Trimethoprim is a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor that limits cell proliferation, leading to neural tube defects in utero 18 , Tetracyclines are category D drugs given the likelihood of causing bone and tooth abnormalities and discolorations These medications, used commonly to treat blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, generally should not be used in pregnancy and should not be used in patients who are breastfeeding.

Erythromycin is a category B medication and is considered safe in pregnancy Aminoglycosides e. Tobramycin eye drops are category B, however, due to the limited systemic absorption from ocular administration Erythromycin predominantly Gram positive coverage and polymyxin B Gram negative coverage are considered the safest topical antibiotics in pregnancy Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are often prescribed orally to treat ocular herpes simplex virus infections, are category B medications.

A historical cohort study performed in Denmark with 1, patients exposed to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir in the first trimester demonstrated no increased risk of major birth defects These medications have been relatively well studied in pregnancy and can be used if necessary with no reported adverse effects Azoles e. Toric intraocular lenses are recommended for people with cataracts who also have a condition called astigmatism, where the curvature of the eye is abnormal affecting vision at all distances.

This lens is designed to correct the existing astigmatism. Lotemax eye drops during pregnancy 5 out of 5 based on ratings. Expert care f r your eyes. Read More. Back in F cus again. Preserve your Visi n. Enjoy Life with ut Glasses. Eye Conditions We Treat. Eye infections: This medication can increase the chances of getting an eye infection and should not be used if you have an eye infection see "Who should not use this medication?

If you develop an eye infection, or new or worsening symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. Glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye: If you have glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Length of treatment: This medication is used for short-term treatment, usually for no longer than 2 weeks. Prolonged use of this medication may cause cataracts or glaucoma. If this medication is used for 10 days or longer, your doctor will monitor the pressure inside your eye regularly. If you experience any persistent vision problems while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

If you don't notice an improvement within 2 days of starting treatment, see your doctor. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if loteprednol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications you are taking.

Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. If these patients want to opt for refractive surgery because their contacts are uncomfortable, they have to think again, Dr.

Davis said. Dry eye can be an issue in pregnant patients who wear contact lenses and in those who experience nausea and vomiting, said John D. Sheppard, M. The nausea and vomiting lead to dehydration, which can lead to drier eyes, he said.

Certain medications that patients may take to inhibit nausea can also contribute to dry eye, he said. Practitioners seem to agree that artificial tear drops are a safe treatment option to lubricate the eyes. Another easy solution is asking patients to reduce contact lens wear or not wear them at all. This includes supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, and black currant seed oil.

Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence shows that omega-3 acids found in these supplements can help the ocular surface. He uses silicone or plastic punctal plugs as well, an option that Dr. Davis also thinks is reasonable. Restasis cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0. Sheppard said. If the patient has severe dry eye, Dr.