LOTEMAX SM

LOTEMAX SM (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.38%) is a topical corticosteroid developed by Bausch & Lomb for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, such as cataract surgery. It utilizes proprietary SubMicron (SM) technology, which features a submicron particle size (approximately 0.6 μm median diameter) designed to enhance tissue penetration and drug exposure to the aqueous humor. As a retrometabolically designed C-20 ester-based corticosteroid, loteprednol etabonate undergoes rapid hydrolysis into inactive metabolites after exerting its anti-inflammatory effects, which helps minimize the risk of corticosteroid-induced increases in intraocular pressure. The formulation is notable for having a lower concentration of the active ingredient than earlier Lotemax formulations and the lowest preservative percentage (benzalkonium chloride 0.003%) in a loteprednol etabonate product. It was approved by the FDA in February 2019 and is typically dosed three times daily.

Brand names

LOTEMAX SM

Other names

loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.38%loteprednol etabonate submicron gel