6 mins read

Overview: Fluorometholone is a steroid eye drop used to treat inflammation in certain parts of the eye. Common side effects include blurred vision, stinging or burning, and eye irritation. Only use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes or if your eye condition is getting worse while using fluorometholone.

Uses

What is fluorometholone used for?

Fluorometholone is commonly used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the eye caused by various conditions that may include the following. 

Fluorometholone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does fluorometholone work (mechanism of action)?

Fluorometholone is a steroid eye medicine. It works by calming the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is fluorometholone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Flarex
  • FML
  • FML Forte

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 0.25% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

How should I store fluorometholone?

Fluorometholone should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Store the bottle upright. Do not freeze. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of fluorometholone?

The most common side effects of fluorometholone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Stinging or burning
  • Eye irritation
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Eyelid redness or swelling
  • Eye discharge, itching, or watering
  • Rash
  • Taste changes

There may be other side effects of fluorometholone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of fluorometholone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of fluorometholone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluorometholone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fluorometholone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections and Delayed Healing. Using fluorometholone for a long period of time can lead to eye infections, including fungal infections in some cases. Fluorometholone may also hide or worsen an active infection, slow healing, or lead to a hole (perforation) in part of the eye. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes, or if your eye condition is not improving. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of an eye infection.

  • Eye itchiness or redness
  • Eye discharge or pus
  • Worsening inflammation or irritation
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Glaucoma. Fluorometholone may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Do not use fluorometholone for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Cataract. Fluorometholone may cause cloudiness in your eye, which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Severe Eye Problems. Some fluorometholone products may cause eye problems, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis) and thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are getting worse or not improving within two days.

  • Eye itchiness, redness, or pain
  • Swollen or itchy eyelids
  • An abnormal feeling in your eye
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use fluorometholone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fluorometholone.

  • Fluorometholone
  • FML
  • FML Forte
  • Flarex
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fluorometholone products they stock.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use fluorometholone, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye

What should I know about fluorometholone before using it?

Do not use fluorometholone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. If you have trouble getting the drops in your eye, talk to your healthcare provider.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your fluorometholone product properly. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Do not share fluorometholone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep fluorometholone out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Eye infections may occur if the fluorometholone bottle gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the bottle tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using fluorometholone eye drops. Then wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contacts in. 

You may have temporary blurred vision after using fluorometholone eye drops. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how fluorometholone affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fluorometholone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fluorometholone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or white of your eye
  • An infection

Planned Eye Surgery. Using fluorometholone may raise the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are planning to have cataract surgery. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how fluorometholone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if fluorometholone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use fluorometholone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does fluorometholone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between fluorometholone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fluorometholone.

Does fluorometholone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between fluorometholone and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much fluorometholone?

If you or someone else has used too much fluorometholone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of fluorometholone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.