Lotilan

Indications

Lotilaner 0.25% eye drops are used to treat Demodex blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid edges caused by tiny Demodex mites that live in the eyelash roots. Typical signs are crusty, dandruff-like collars around the base of the lashes, itching, redness and irritated eyelids.

How It Works

Lotilaner is an antiparasitic medicine. It blocks special chloride channels (GABA-gated chloride channels) in the nerve cells of the mites, which paralyses and kills them. These channels are different from those in human nerve cells, so the medicine targets the mites. As the mites die, the collars on the lashes and the eyelid redness gradually clear.

Dosage and Administration

Usual adult dose: 1 drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 6 weeks, or as prescribed.

• Wash your hands first. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put in one drop without touching the tip to the eye or lashes.
• Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back.
• If you use other eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between them.

Interactions

No important interactions with other medicines are known, as very little enters the bloodstream. Tell your eye doctor about any other eye drops or ointments you use.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Lotilaner or any ingredient of the drops.

Side Effects

The most common effect is stinging or burning when the drops go in, which usually passes quickly. Less often, there may be small lumps on the eyelid (chalazion or stye), eye redness or mild irritation of the eye surface.

Get urgent medical help if you notice eye pain, a sudden change in vision, increasing redness or discharge, or swelling of the face, lips or throat with difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There are no good studies in pregnant women. Very little of the drug reaches the blood after use in the eye, but use during pregnancy only if your doctor thinks it is needed. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, to avoid contaminating the solution.
• Complete the full course even if the eyes look better.
• Keep eyelids clean as advised by your doctor and do not share eye drops.
• Safety in children has not been established.

Overdose

Using extra drops is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water if it feels irritated. If the drops are swallowed, contact a doctor or poison centre for advice.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic antiparasitic (isoxazoline class).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and follow the pack advice on how long it can be used after opening.