Lodoxamide tromethamine was launched as an ophthalmic formulation for the
treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. It appears to act as a mast cell stabilizer inhibiting
degranulation and the release of histamine and other vasoactive products in a similar
manner to sodium cromoglycate. The compound is also under investigation as an
orally active antiallergic/antiasthmatic agent.
Lodoxamidetromethamine, N, N -(2-chloro-5-cyano-m-phenylene)dioxamicacid (Alomide), is a white crystalline, water-solublepowder. The only significant structural similarity betweenlodoxamide and cromolyn and nedocromil is the presence oftwo acidic groups. Lodoxamide is indicated in the treatmentof the ocular disorders including vernal keratoconjunctivitis,vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis. Lodoxamide isavailable as a 0.1% solution, with each milliliter containing1.78 mg of lodoxamide tromethamine equivalent to 1 mg oflodoxamide. The solution contains the preservative benzalkoniumchloride (0.007%) as well as mannitol, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium citrate, citric acid, edetatedisodium, tyloxapol, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide(to adjust pH), and purified water.
The dose for adults and children older than 2 years of ageis 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye 4 times daily for up to 3months. The most frequently reported ocular adverse experienceswere transient burning, stinging, or discomfort oninstillation.
