fluorometholone at a glance
Medicine class
Ophthalmic corticosteroid
Usual role
Controls responsive inflammation at the front of the eye
Form
Eye-drop suspension that must be shaken before use
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before use because the preservative can be absorbed by them
Monitoring
Extended use requires ophthalmic supervision and eye-pressure checks
What is fluorometholone used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for corticosteroid-responsive inflammation involving the front of the eye.
Inflammation of the eyelid or eyeball conjunctiva, cornea, or anterior segment when a corticosteroid is appropriate.
How does fluorometholone work?
Fluorometholone binds to glucocorticoid receptors and changes the production of inflammatory mediators, reducing swelling, redness, inflammatory-cell movement and scarring.
How to take fluorometholone
Use only in the eye and follow the instructions from the eye specialist or prescriber.
Shake the suspension well and wash your hands before use.
Pull down the lower eyelid, apply the drops into the resulting pocket and briefly close the eye.
Do not let the bottle tip touch the eye, eyelids, fingers or another surface.
Do not share the bottle; replace its cap immediately after use.
Remove soft contact lenses first and wait at least 15 minutes before replacing them.
If using other eye medicines, administer them separately in the order advised.
fluorometholone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised pressure inside the eye, which may cause no obvious symptoms and is detected through monitoring.
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing or swallowing difficulty, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Persistent or worsening blurred, distorted or otherwise disturbed vision.
- Severe eye pain, reduced vision, a corneal ulcer, or symptoms of a new or worsening eye infection.
fluorometholone in pregnancy
The selected product is not recommended during pregnancy because medicine-specific human data are limited and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Information on topical corticosteroids generally reports very low systemic absorption and no known pregnancy risk, so a prescriber or eye specialist should assess whether fluorometholone is necessary or an alternative is preferable.
fluorometholone while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises against use while breastfeeding because transfer into milk is unknown. NHS SPS considers ophthalmic corticosteroids as a class compatible with breastfeeding because exposure should be negligible. A prescriber or eye specialist should review fluorometholone specifically.
fluorometholone interactions
Systemic interactions are uncommon with eye drops, but absorption can matter with strong enzyme inhibitors.
Potent CYP3A inhibitors, including cobicistat-containing products and ritonavir
These may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure and adverse effects. Avoid unless the benefit outweighs the risk, with monitoring if used.
Common questions about fluorometholone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is fluorometholone an antibiotic?
No. It is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation. It does not treat infection and can mask or worsen some eye infections.
Why must the eye drops be shaken?
The selected product is a suspension, so shaking redistributes the medicine before use.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.