NCIt definition : The etabonate salt form of loteprednol, an ophthalmic analog of the corticosteroid
prednisolone with anti-inflammatory activity. Loteprednol etabonate exerts its effect
by interacting with specific intracellular receptors and subsequently binds to DNA
to modify gene expression. This results in an induction of the synthesis of certain
anti-inflammatory proteins while inhibiting the synthesis of certain inflammatory
mediators. Loteprednol etabonate specifically induces phospholipase A2 inhibitory
proteins (collectively called lipocortins), which inhibit the release of arachidonic
acid, thereby inhibiting the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation, such
as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.;