Flurate

Indications

Fluorometholone Acetate is a steroid eye drop used to reduce inflammation of the eye that is not caused by infection, such as:

• allergic conjunctivitis and other allergic or inflammatory conditions of the eyelids and the front of the eye;
• inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva or iris (iritis);
• inflammation after eye surgery or injury, as decided by the eye doctor.

How It Works

Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid. It calms the immune response in the eye and blocks the release of substances that cause redness, swelling, itching and pain. It is less likely than some stronger eye steroids to raise pressure inside the eye.

Dosage and Administration

For use in the eye only, as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 2 to 4 times a day. In the first 1 to 2 days the doctor may advise more frequent use. Do not stop suddenly after long use; the doctor will reduce the dose gradually.

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Wash your hands, pull down the lower eyelid and put in the drop without touching the eye with the tip.
• Close the eye and press gently on the inner corner for a minute.
• Leave at least 5 minutes between different eye drops.

See your eye doctor if there is no improvement after 2 days. Use for more than 10 days only under an eye doctor's supervision.

Interactions

Using other steroid medicines at the same time can add to the risk of raised eye pressure. Some HIV medicines (such as Ritonavir) and some antifungals may increase steroid effects. Leave 5 minutes between different eye drops and tell your doctor about all medicines you use.

Contraindications

• Viral eye infections, such as herpes simplex keratitis, chickenpox or shingles of the eye
• Fungal or tuberculous infections of the eye
• Untreated bacterial eye infection with pus
• Allergy to Fluorometholone or any ingredient of the drops

Side Effects

Common: brief stinging, burning, blurred vision or eye irritation after use. Long-term use can raise the pressure in the eye (glaucoma), damage the optic nerve, cause cataract, slow wound healing and increase the risk of eye infections.

Get medical help urgently for eye pain, a sudden change or loss of vision, seeing halos around lights, increasing redness or discharge, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding only if your doctor advises, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Pressing on the inner corner of the eye after each drop reduces the amount that reaches the body.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use only under a doctor's supervision; steroid eye drops can hide or worsen an infection.
• Your eye pressure should be checked if treatment lasts longer than 10 days.
• Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back; avoid contact lenses while the eye is inflamed.
• Do not drive if your vision is blurred.
• Take extra care in children, who are more prone to raised eye pressure, and in people with glaucoma or diabetes.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely with eye drops. If too much is used, rinse the eye with clean water. If a child swallows the drops, contact a doctor.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic corticosteroid (steroid eye drop).

Storage

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