FLN Ophthalmic Suspension

Indications

Fluorometholone eye drops are used to reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and irritation) of the front of the eye when there is no active infection, for example:

• Allergic conjunctivitis that does not settle with other treatment.
• Inflammation after eye surgery or injury.
• Inflammation of the white of the eye (episcleritis) and some non-infectious inflammation of the cornea.

Combinations with Gentamicin or Neomycin are used when inflammation and a bacterial infection are both present. Combinations with Tetrahydrozoline also reduce redness.

How It Works

Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid (steroid). It calms the immune reaction in the eye tissues and blocks the chemicals that cause redness, swelling and itching. It is a milder steroid that is less likely than some others to raise eye pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Usually 1 drop in the affected eye 2 to 4 times a day, or as prescribed by the eye doctor. In the first 1 or 2 days the doctor may advise using it more often. Shake the bottle well before use if it is a suspension. Wash hands, tilt the head back, pull down the lower lid and put in one drop without touching the tip to the eye. Wait at least 5 minutes before using another eye drop. Do not stop suddenly after long use; the doctor will reduce it gradually. Children: as prescribed.

Interactions

Few interactions are expected because very little enters the blood. Using it with other steroid medicines may add to the risk of raised eye pressure. Some eye drops that widen the pupil (anticholinergics such as Atropine) can also raise eye pressure.

Contraindications

• Allergy to fluorometholone or any ingredient.
• Viral eye infections, such as herpes simplex of the cornea, chickenpox or similar.
• Fungal eye infections, tuberculosis of the eye, or untreated bacterial infections with pus.

Side Effects

Common: brief stinging or burning and blurred vision just after putting in the drops. With longer use (more than 10 days): raised eye pressure (which can lead to glaucoma), cataract, slower healing and a higher risk of eye infection.

Get urgent medical help for eye pain, worsening redness, a discharge from the eye, a sudden change or loss of vision, seeing halos around lights, or swelling of the eyelids or face.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Very little reaches the blood, but there is limited information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if the doctor prescribes it. Press gently on the inner corner of the eye for a minute after each drop to reduce the amount absorbed.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use for a red eye without an eye doctor's diagnosis, as steroids can make some infections worse. If used for more than 10 days, eye pressure should be checked. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back. Vision may blur briefly, so do not drive until it clears. Do not share eye drops.

Overdose

Putting in extra drops is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water if it is irritated. Swallowing the drops is unlikely to be harmful. Long-term overuse can raise eye pressure.

Therapeutic Class

Eye corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after opening.