fluorometholone ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: FLURE oh METH oh lone off THAL mik

Brand: Flarex, FML Forte Liquifilm, FML Liquifilm, FML S.O.P.

What is the most important information I should know about fluorometholone ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine if you have any type of infection, especially a fungal or viral eye infection (such as ocular herpes), tuberculosis, or an untreated infection such as chickenpox in your eye or elsewhere.

What is fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Fluorometholone is a steroid medicine. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Fluorometholone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye swelling caused by infections, injury, surgery, or other conditions.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluorometholone ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to fluorometholone or other steroid medications, or if you have any type of infection, especially:

  • a fungal eye infection;
  • any type of viral eye infection, such as ocular herpes;
  • tuberculosis; or
  • an untreated infection in your eye or elsewhere, including chickenpox.

To make sure fluorometholone ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a history of cataracts; or
  • a history of glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eyes.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether fluorometholone ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Fluorometholone ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply 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 with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

To apply the ointment:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
  • Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
  • After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated applicator 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 with fluorometholone ophthalmic.

If you use fluorometholone ophthalmic for 10 days or longer, you may need frequent eye tests at your doctor's office.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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?

Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

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

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Fluorometholone can cause side effects that may impair your vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly.

What are the possible side effects of fluorometholone ophthalmic?

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

Stop using fluorometholone ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • worsening or no improvement in your symptoms after 48 hours of use;
  • pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes, severe headache;
  • sudden eye irritation;
  • severe burning, redness, or irritation of your eyes;
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
  • signs of new eye infection, such as pain, itching, swelling, draining, or crusting of your eyes.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when fluorometholone is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Tell your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms of steroid absorption:

  • weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);
  • slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
  • irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or
  • muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild stinging, burning, redness, or irritation 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.

What other drugs will affect fluorometholone ophthalmic?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on fluorometholone used in the eyes. 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. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluorometholone ophthalmic.

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.

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