Loteprednol ophthalmic and Red yeast rice

• Generic Name: loteprednol ophthalmic
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Alrex, Inveltys, Lotemax, Lotemax SM

Loteprednol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine that is used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, shingles (herpes zoster), severe acne, iritis, or certain other conditions.

The gel form of loteprednol ophthalmic is used to treat pain and swelling after eye surgery.

Loteprednol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: red yeast rice
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Cholestin

Red yeast rice is a product that is made by fermenting red rice with a certain type of yeast. Red yeast rice is also known as Cholestin, Hypocol, Xuezhikang, or Zhitai.

Red yeast rice supplements are not the same as red yeast rice that is sold in Chinese grocery stores.

Red yeast rice has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood.

Red yeast rice has been used as a possibly effective aid in reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, or death in people with a history of heart attack.

Red yeast rice has also been used as a possibly effective aid in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Red yeast rice has been used to treat high blood pressure. However, research has shown that red yeast rice may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included: lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, improving blood circulation, lowering liver enzymes associated with liver damage, and treating diarrhea, indigestion, or other stomach problems.

It is not certain whether red yeast rice is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Red yeast rice should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Red yeast rice is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Red yeast rice may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.