FML (Fluorometholone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is FML Used For?
FML eye drops contain fluorometholone, a corticosteroid medication specifically designed to treat eye inflammation.
Primary Uses
FML is used to treat inflammation of the eye, including pain, swelling, and redness caused by various irritations.
How It Works
Fluorometholone works by inhibiting the inflammation caused by certain irritations in the eye, helping to reduce swelling, pain, and redness.
Important: Eye drops containing corticosteroids should not be used for more than 10 days except under eye specialist supervision with regular pressure checks.
How to Take FML
FML eye drops should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Proper technique is important for effectiveness and safety.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) 2-4 times daily. During the first 24-48 hours, your doctor may recommend 2 drops every hour. Always wash hands before use, shake the bottle well, remove soft contact lenses before application, and avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Use FML at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose. Wait 15 minutes after using FML before replacing soft contact lenses.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Eye swelling, eyelid or surrounding area swelling
- Itchy eyes
- Eye redness
- Eye pain or irritation
- Pupil dilation
- Eye discharge
- Watery eyes
- Feeling of something in the eye
- Droopy eyelids
- Changes to taste
- Itchy, red skin rash
- Delayed wound healing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Increased pressure in the eye
- Eye infection
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of tongue, lips, throat, difficulty breathing)
- Calcium deposits in the cornea
Important Warnings
FML has important safety considerations that you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take FML
Do not use FML if you have: eye infection caused by Herpes simplex keratitis virus, any infection in or around the eye, allergy to fluorometholone or any ingredients, tuberculosis of the eye, or if the bottle seal is broken or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous Herpes simplex eye infection, increased eye pressure (glaucoma), recent eye infection, any other eye conditions, allergies to medicines or other substances, or if you use any other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor as the medicine may be absorbed and potentially harm your baby.
Children: FML is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.
Drug Interactions
While no specific interactions are known with FML, certain medications may increase your risk of side effects.
Important: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications.
- CYP3A inhibitor medicines
- Some antibiotics
- Antifungal drugs
- Antiretroviral drugs
Alcohol & Driving
FML may temporarily affect your vision, so take precautions when driving or operating machinery.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of taking FML with alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Wait for your vision to clear completely after using FML before you drive or use machines, as the drops may temporarily blur your vision.
Storage
Store FML upright in a cool place below 30°C, away from heat and sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Write the opening date on the bottle and discard unused contents 4 weeks after first opening. Do not leave the cap off to avoid contamination.
Overdose Information
If you use too much FML, immediately rinse your eyes with water. If FML is accidentally swallowed, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
FML begins working to reduce eye inflammation soon after application. Your doctor may increase the frequency during the first 24-48 hours for faster relief, then reduce to the regular dosing schedule.
Remove soft contact lenses before using FML and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft lenses and cause discoloration.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Wash your hands, shake the bottle, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and squeeze one drop into the pouch without touching the dropper to your eye. Close your eye and press the inner corner for 2 minutes.
Do not stop using FML suddenly without checking with your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
Call your doctor straight away if your eyes seem to be getting worse, not improving, or if you develop an eye infection, injury, blurred vision, or any changes in your vision.
Corticosteroid eye drops like FML should not be used for more than 10 days except under eye specialist supervision with regular checks for increased eye pressure.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.