Class: Corticosteroids
ATC Class: S01CA07
VA Class: OP300
Chemical Name: 9-fluoro-11ß,17-dihydroxy-6α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
Molecular Formula: C24H31FO5
CAS Number: 426-13-1
Brands: Flarex, Fluor-Op, FML, FML-S, Tobraflex
Introduction
A synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid; structurally related to progesterone.a
Uses for Fluorometholone
Ophthalmic Inflammation
Symptomatic relief of corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe. b c e g
Treatment of chronic anterior uveitisd f and corneal injury from burns or penetration of foreign bodies.d f g
Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections
Used for anti-inflammatory properties in conjunction with appropriate anti-infective therapy in some bacterial infections of the eye;d f g used in fixed combination with sulfacetamide sodium or tobramycin when such combination therapy is indicated.d f If an ophthalmic corticosteroid is used in combination with an ophthalmic anti-infective, weigh benefits against risks.g (See Infections under Cautions.)
Fluorometholone Dosage and Administration
Administration
Ophthalmic Administration
Apply topically to the eye(s) as an ophthalmic ointment or suspension.b c d e f g
Not for injection.b d f
Shake suspension vigorously prior to use.b d e f
Avoid contamination of the preparation container.a b c d e f
Do not administer suspensions containing benzalkonium chloride while wearing soft contact lenses.b e (See Advice to Patients.)
Dosage
Available as fluorometholone and fluorometholone acetate, alone or in fixed combination with anti-infectives; dosage of fluorometholone acetate expressed in terms of the salt.b c d e f
Pediatric Patients
Ophthalmic Inflammation
Ophthalmic
Fluorometholone 0.1% suspension: In children ≥2 years of age, instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 2–4 times daily.e During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 1 drop every 4 hours.e
Fluorometholone 0.25% suspension: In children ≥2 years of age, instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 2–4 times daily.h
Fluorometholone 0.1% ointment: In children ≥2 years of age, apply ribbon of ointment (approximately 1.3 cm in length) into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 1–3 times daily.c May be applied every 4 hours during initial 24–48 hours of therapy.c
If improvement does not occur after 2 days, reevaluate the patient.c e h
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease and response to therapy.a Do not discontinue prematurely.a c e h
In chronic conditions, gradually taper the dosage when the drug is discontinued to avoid exacerbation of the disease.a c e h
Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections
Ophthalmic
Fluorometholone and sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic suspension: In children ≥2 years of age, instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily.d
Fluorometholone acetate and tobramycin ophthalmic suspension: In children ≥2 years of age, instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) every 4–6 hours.f During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 1 or 2 drops every 2 hours.f
If improvement does not occur after 2 days, reevaluate the patient.d
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease and response to therapy.a Do not discontinue prematurely.a d f
In chronic conditions, gradually taper the dosage when the drug is discontinued to avoid exacerbation of the disease.a d
Adults
Ophthalmic Inflammation
Ophthalmic
Fluorometholone 0.1% suspension: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 2–4 times daily.e During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 1 drop every 4 hours.e
Fluorometholone 0.25% suspension: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 2–4 times daily.h
Fluorometholone 0.1% ointment: Apply ribbon of ointment (approximately 1.3 cm in length) into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 1–3 times daily.c May be applied every 4 hours during initial 24–48 hours of therapy.c
Fluorometholone acetate 0.1% suspension: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily.b During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 2 drops every 2 hours.b
If improvement does not occur after 2 days, reevaluate the patient.c e h
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease and response to therapy.a Do not discontinue prematurely.a c e h
In chronic conditions, gradually taper the dosage when the drug is discontinued to avoid exacerbation of the disease.a c e h
Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections
Ophthalmic
Fluorometholone and sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily.d
Fluorometholone acetate and tobramycin ophthalmic suspension: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) every 4–6 hours.f During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 1 or 2 drops every 2 hours.f
If improvement does not occur after 2 days, reevaluate the patient.d
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease and response to therapy.a Do not discontinue prematurely.a d f
In chronic conditions, gradually taper the dosage when the drug is discontinued to avoid exacerbation of the disease.a d
Special Populations
No special population dosage recommendations at this time.a b c d e f h
Cautions for Fluorometholone
Contraindications
Viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva (e.g., epithelial herpes simplex keratitis [dendritic keratitis], vaccinia, varicella).b c d e f g h
Mycobacterial infection of the eye.b c d e f g h
Fungal disease of ocular structures.b c d e f g h
Acute, purulent, untreated infections of the eye.b g
Known hypersensitivity to fluorometholone, other corticosteroids, or any ingredient in the formulation.b c d e f g h
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Ocular Effects
Risk of glaucoma (with damage to optic nerve), defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation with prolonged use of corticosteroids.b c d e f g h Use with caution in glaucoma because IOP may increase.b c d e f g h
Average time until IOP increase occurs is longer with fluorometholone than with ophthalmic dexamethasone.b c d e f h
If used for ≥10 days, monitor IOP routinely even though monitoring may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients.c d e f g h
In conditions causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations reported with use of topical corticosteroids.b c d e f g h
Use of high-dose corticosteroids may delay healing.b c e g Use after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase incidence of bleb formation.c d e g h
Infections
See Contraindications under Cautions.
Prolonged use may suppress the host response and thus increase the risk of secondary ocular infections.b c d e f g h
In acute purulent conditions of the eye, corticosteroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection.b c d e f g h
Herpes Simplex
Use of corticosteroids in the treatment of herpes simplex infections other than epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, in which corticosteroids are contraindicated, requires great caution; periodic slit-lamp microscopy is essential.b d c g h
General Precautions
Evaluation of Ocular Condition
Initial prescription or renewal of medication order beyond 8 g of 0.1% ointment or 20 mL of 0.1 or 0.25% suspension should be provided only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification (e.g., slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein staining where appropriate).c d e h
Reevaluate patient if improvement does not occur after 2 days.c d e h
Fungal Infections
Long-term local corticosteroid application associated with development of fungal infections of the cornea.b c d e f g Consider possibility of fungal infection in patients with persistent corneal ulceration who have been or are receiving corticosteroid therapy.b c d e f g
Use of Fixed Combinations
When fluorometholone or fluorometholone acetate is used in fixed combination with sulfacetamide sodium or tobramycin, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with the concomitant agent.d f
Ophthalmic Ointments
Use of ophthalmic ointments may decrease rate of corneal reepithelialization.c g
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.b c d e f h
Lactation
Not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in milk.b c d e f h
Caution if used in nursing women.b f Most manufacturers recommend that women discontinue nursing or the drug.c d e h
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of fluorometholone alone or in fixed combination with sulfacetamide sodium or fluorometholone acetate in fixed combination with tobramycin not established in children <2 years of age.a c d e f h
Manufacturer states that safety and efficacy of fluorometholone acetate alone have not been established in children of any age.a b
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety or efficacy relative to younger patients.c d e f h
Common Adverse Effects
Elevated IOP,c d e h transient stinging or burning,e g h blurred vision,e g h ocular irritation,e g h taste perversion.e h
Fluorometholone Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Corticosteroids are absorbed through the aqueous humor; because only low doses are given, little if any systemic absorption occurs.g
Stability
Storage
Ophthalmic
Ointment
<25°C. c Avoid exposure to temperatures >40°C. c
Suspension
Fluorometholone or fluorometholone acetate suspension: 2–27°C.a b Do not freeze. a b
Fluorometholone and sulfacetamide sodium suspension: Light-protected container at 15–30°C.d Do not freeze.d Do not use suspension if dark brown. d
Fluorometholone acetate and tobramycin suspension: Upright at 2–25°C.f
Compatibility
Ophthalmic
Suspension
Fluorometholone and sulfacetamide sodium suspension: Incompatible with preparations containing silver.d
ActionsActions
Corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory response to mechanical, chemical, or immunologic agents.b c d e f g h
Corticosteroids inhibit edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation.c d e g h
Advice to Patients
Importance of discontinuing therapy and consulting a clinician if inflammation or pain persists for >48 hours or worsens.c d e h
Importance of removing soft contact lenses prior to administering preparations containing benzalkonium chlorideb e and of delaying reinsertion of the lenses for ≥15 minutes after administration.e
Importance of learning and adhering to proper administration techniques to avoid contamination of the tip of the container.b c d e f h
Importance of warning the patient not to share the drug.c d e h
Importance of informing a clinician if an intercurrent ocular condition (e.g., trauma, surgery, infection) develops during ophthalmic therapy.g
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.c d e f h
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.c d e f h
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.b c d e f g h (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic | Ointment | 0.1% | FML (with phenylmercuric acetate) | Allergan |
Suspension | 0.1% | Fluor-Op (with benzalkonium chloride) | Novartis | |
Fluorometholone Ophthalmic Suspension | Bausch & Lomb, Falcon | |||
FML (with benzalkonium chloride) | Allergan | |||
0.25% | FML Forte (with benzalkonium chloride) | Allergan |
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic | Suspension | 0.1% with Sulfacetamide Sodium 10% | FML-S Liquifilm (with benzalkonium chloride and povidone) | Allergan |
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic | Suspension | 0.1% | Flarex (with benzalkonium chloride) | Alcon |
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic | Suspension | 0.1% with Tobramycin 0.3% | Tobraflex (with benzalkonium chloride) | Alcon |
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions September 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Fluorometholone. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists; 2007: 2825.
b. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Flarex (fluorometholone acetate) suspension prescribing information. Fort Worth , TX; 1999 Jun.
c. Allergan, Inc. FML (fluorometholone) ointment prescribing information. Irvine, CA; 2001 Nov.
d. Allergan, Inc. FML-S (fluorometholone and sulfacetamide sodium) suspension prescribing information. Irvine, CA; 2005 Feb.
e. Allergan, Inc. FML (fluorometholone) ophthalmic suspension, 0.1% prescribing information. Irvine, CA; 2003 Jun.
f. Alcon Pharmaceuticals. Tobraflex (tobramycin and fluorometholone acetate) suspension prescribing information. Fort Worth, TX; 2001 May.
g. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK,ed. EENT corticosteroids general statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists; 2007: 2813-5.
h. Allergan, Inc. FMLForte (fluorometholone) suspension prescribing information. Irvine, CA; 2004 Jun.
More Fluorometholone resources
- Fluorometholone Side Effects (in more detail)
- Fluorometholone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Fluorometholone Drug Interactions
- Fluorometholone Support Group
- 1 Review for Fluorometholone - Add your own review/rating
- Flarex Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Flarex Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Flarex Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Fluor-Op Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Fluor-Op MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
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