What Is Lotemax? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If your eye doctor just handed you a Lotemax prescription and you're not sure what it is or how to use it, this guide is for you. Lotemax is one of the most commonly prescribed eye medications in the United States, and for good reason — it's effective, well-tolerated, and designed with patient safety in mind.

What Is Lotemax?

Lotemax is the brand name for loteprednol etabonate, a prescription corticosteroid (steroid) eye medication manufactured by Bausch + Lomb. It was first approved by the FDA in 1998. Lotemax belongs to a class of eye medications called ophthalmic corticosteroids. These medications reduce inflammation in the eye — a process your body uses to heal but which, when excessive, can cause pain, tissue damage, and vision loss.

What makes Lotemax different from older steroid eye drops is its "soft steroid" design. It's engineered to break down rapidly into an inactive compound within the eye, reducing the risk of steroid-related side effects — particularly elevated eye pressure — that can occur with drugs like prednisolone or dexamethasone.

What Is Lotemax Used For?

Lotemax is approved by the FDA for several eye conditions:

Post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery — This is the most common use. After cataract surgery (over 4 million procedures/year in the U.S.), Lotemax is prescribed to control inflammation and support healing.

Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions — Including allergic conjunctivitis, ocular rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis (shingles of the eye), iritis, and cyclitis.

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis — The Alrex formulation (loteprednol 0.2%) is specifically approved for eye allergy symptoms.

Dry eye disease — The Eysuvis formulation (loteprednol 0.25%) is approved for the short-term treatment of dry eye disease symptoms.

What Are the Lotemax Formulations?

Lotemax comes in several forms, each with slightly different uses:

Lotemax suspension 0.5% (eye drops): Shake before use. For inflammatory conditions and post-op care. A generic version is available.

Lotemax gel 0.5%: Invert and shake once before use. For post-operative inflammation. Brand-only.

Lotemax ointment 0.5%: Apply a ½ inch ribbon. Post-surgical use. Brand-only.

Lotemax SM gel 0.38%: Submicron gel with enhanced penetration. Post-surgical use. Brand-only.

Lotemax Dosage Instructions

Always follow your doctor's specific instructions. General dosing from FDA-approved labeling:

Post-surgery (gel or ointment): 1–2 drops of gel (or ½ inch ribbon of ointment) in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily, starting 24 hours after surgery, continuing for 2 weeks.

Steroid-responsive inflammation (suspension): 1–2 drops 4 times daily. In the first week, dosing may be increased to 1 drop per hour if needed.

Lotemax SM: 1–2 drops 3 times daily starting 24 hours after surgery for 2 weeks.

How to Use Lotemax Correctly

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying.

For the suspension: shake well. For the gel: invert and shake once to fill the tip.

Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.

Place the prescribed number of drops or ointment amount in the pocket without touching the tip to your eye or any surface.

Close your eye and gently press the inner corner of your eye for 1–2 minutes to help the medication absorb.

Do not wear soft contact lenses during treatment with the gel or ointment. If using eye drops, remove contacts and wait at least 10–15 minutes before reinserting.

Is Lotemax a Controlled Substance?

No. Lotemax is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. You can fill it at any licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription, and there are no restrictions on refills beyond the standard prescription limits set by your doctor.

If you're having trouble filling your Lotemax prescription, medfinder can help you locate it. For more information on side effects, see our guide on Lotemax side effects.