Fluorometholone is a steroid drug used in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. It works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching of the eye.
Fluorometholone is used to treat eye conditions due to inflammation or injury. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Among corticosteroids it falls under synthetic glucocorticoids.
Inflammatory eye diseases of the palpebra i.e eye lid, conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of eye can be treated with Fluorometholone.
Other eye diseases which respond to steroid responsive drugs are also managed with it.
Fluorometholone Ophthalmic Suspension (USP) 0.1% Sterile is available in many brands like FML for use as a topical anti inflammatory medication.
People can buy Fluorometholone acetate eye drops over the counter or even online. These eye drops for pink eye is readily available at pharmacies and stores and can be easily applied.
Other topical steroids used for eye diseases similar to it are prednisolone , dexamethasone, betamethasone, loteprednol, and rimexolone.
Fluoromethalone Uses
Fluoromethalone Uses- Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Seasonal conjunctivitis
- Infective conjunctivitis
- Traumatic conjunctivitis
- Chronic anterior uveitis
- Blepharoconjunctivitis
- Anterior uveitis
- Keratitis
Generic Name – Fluorometholone
Fluoromethalone Chemical Composition
Fluoromethalone Chemical Composition- IUPAC name – (6S,8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,17R)-17-acetyl-9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-6,10,13-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one)
- Chemical formula – C22H29FO4
- Chemical structure –
- pH from 6.2 to 7.5
- Osmolality – 290-350 mOsm/kg.
Fluoromethalone Preprations
- Fluorometholone Drops
- Fluorometholone Ointment
- Fluorometholone 1%
- Fluorometholone Ophthalmic suspension
Directions for using Fluorometholone
- For application of Fluorometholone eye drops or ointment, wash your hands first.
- Avoid contamination, do not touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
- Place a 1.5 centimeter strip of ointment into the pouch.
- Gently close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication.
- Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.
- Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
- Apply as often as directed by your doctor.
- Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove extra medication before using it again.
- Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Set your dose on same time daily so that you do not miss any dose.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.
Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated like if it is expired or the ointment changes its color. Use of contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days or if it worsens.
Precautions while using Fluorometholone
Few precautions should be taken while using Fluorometholone eye drops.
- Before using Fluorometholone acetate, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of eye infections, recent eye surgery, cataracts, glaucoma (open-angle type), severe near sightedness (myopia), diabetes.
- After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. In this condition do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
- Make sure before using any drug to take special care in pregnancy, lactation and if you have allergies.
- Do not wear contact lenses while you are on this medicine.
- Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s directions and always check with your doctor before you begin using them again.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the drugs prescribed.
- Stopping use of flurometholone abruptly is not advisable if used for long time as this can cause rebound symptoms due to steroid dependency.
Fluorometholone in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your gynecologist.
Fluorometholone in Lactation
It is not known if the medication in this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Fluorometholone Side Effects
- Blurred vision
- Taste changes in the mouth
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Stinging of eye
- Changes in vision
- Continuing blurred vision
- Discharge from eyes
- Eye pain
- Itching of eyes
- Redness of eyes
- Swelling of eyes
- Irritation of eyes
- Sores of eyes
- Severe allergic reactions
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor immediately. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Use of this medication for prolonged periods or in high doses may cause serious eye problems which should be reported to the doctor like high pressure inside the eyes, eye pain, vision problems and cataracts.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects.
If you Use these drops for long duration, you may develop signs of an eye infection. It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye infection when used for long periods. You need to report if any worsening symptoms such as eye discharge, swelling, redness or no improvement of your current eye condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your treatment.
Tell your doctor if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur like headache and dizziness.
Fluorometholone Allergy
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your doctor more details.
Serious allergic reaction to the drops or ointment is rare. However, some people may need immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling on face or tongue or throat, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
Fluorometholone price
The Following is the usual cost of buying fluorometholone
- 5 ml $69.95
- 10 ml $133.88
- 15 ml $172.80
Fluorometholone Brand Names
- FLUOR-OP (Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension, USP) 0.1%
- FML-S
- Tobraflex
- FML
- FML Forte
- Flarex
- Efflumidex
- Flucon
Fluorometholone Drug Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly.
These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use by close monitoring.
Help your doctor and let him/her give you the best care so for that be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this medicine. While using this product, does not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor’s approval.
Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems while using Fluorometholone acetate.