Fluorometholone ophthalmic

Generic name: fluorometholone ophthalmic [ FLURE-oh-METH-oh-lone-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Flarex, FML Forte Liquifilm, FML Liquifilm, FML S.O.P., Fluor-Op, Eflone
Dosage form: ophthalmic suspension (0.1%; 0.25%; acetate 0.1%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Fluorometholone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by surgery, injury, or other conditions.

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

Fluorometholone ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fluorometholone ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes;

• slow healing after your eye surgery;

• eye pain, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights; or

• signs of new eye infection, such as swelling, draining, or crusting of your eyes.

Common side effects of fluorometholone ophthalmic may include:

• mild stinging or burning in your eyes;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• red or puffy eyelids;

• blurred vision; or

• drooping eyelids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use fluorometholone ophthalmic if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the eye (including herpes).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fluorometholone if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the eye (including herpes).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma; or

• cataracts.

It is not known whether fluorometholone ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Fluorometholone ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I use fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To use the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not the eye drops use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in fluorometholone ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Fluorometholone ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Steroid Responsive Inflammatory Conditions:

Fluorometholone 0.1%/0.25% suspension: 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 2 to 4 times per day

Fluorometholone acetate suspension: 1 to 2 drops instilled into the conjunctival sac(s) 4 times per day

Ointment: A small amount (approximately 1.5 inch ribbon) of ointment should be applied to the conjunctival sac 1 to 3 times per day

Comments:
-Fluorometholone acetate: During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosage may be safely increased to 2 drops every 2 hours.
-Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension and ointment: During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosing frequency may be increased to 1 application every 4 hours.
-Withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
-If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated.

Uses:
-Treatment of corticosteroid-responsive inflammation of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Steroid Responsive Inflammatory Conditions:

2 years or older:
Fluorometholone 0.1%/0.25% suspension: 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 2 to 4 times per day

Ointment: A small amount (approximately 1.5 inch ribbon) of ointment should be applied to the conjunctival sac 1 to 3 times per day

Comments:
-Fluorometholone acetate: During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosage may be safely increased to 2 drops every 2 hours.
-Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension and ointment: During the initial 24 to 48 hours, the dosing frequency may be increased to 1 application every 4 hours.
-Withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
-If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated.

Uses:
-Treatment of corticosteroid-responsive inflammation of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, cetirizine, promethazine, Zyrtec, brimonidine ophthalmic, phenylephrine ophthalmic, bimatoprost topical, oxymetazoline ophthalmic

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of fluorometholone ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. You may have blurred vision for a short time.

Do not share fluorometholone ophthalmic with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What other drugs will affect fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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