FML (Fluorometholone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is FML Used For?
FML eye drops contain fluorometholone, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in your eyes. It's specifically designed to treat eye conditions that cause pain, swelling, and redness.
Primary Uses
FML is used to treat inflammation (pain, swelling and redness) of the eye 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 checks for increased eye pressure.
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How to Take FML
FML eye drops must be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The drops are applied directly to your affected eye(s) using proper technique to avoid contamination.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose 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 your hands before and after use. Remove soft contact lenses before applying and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Shake the bottle well before each use.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. If you remember soon after missing it, apply the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal timing. 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. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any surface to avoid contamination.
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
- itchy eyes
- eye redness
- eye pain
- eye irritation
- pupil dilation
- eye discharge
- feeling of something in the eye
- droopy eyelids
- watery eyes
- 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 with swelling of tongue, lips and throat
- difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
FML has important safety considerations that you need to 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. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It's unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk and could potentially harm your baby.
Children: FML is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.
Drug Interactions
While there are no known direct interactions with FML, certain medications could potentially increase your risk of side effects.
Tell Your Healthcare Team: Always inform any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or optometrist that you are using FML eye drops.
- CYP3A inhibitor medicines
- some antibiotics
- antifungal drugs
- antiretroviral drugs
Alcohol & Driving
FML can 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 operate machinery, 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 the eye drops. 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 for extended periods to avoid contamination.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally use too much FML, immediately rinse your eyes with water. If FML is accidentally swallowed, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor may increase the dosage during the first 24-48 hours for faster relief, but individual response times can vary. Follow up with your doctor to monitor your progress.
No, do not use FML while wearing soft contact lenses. Remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative can cause discoloration.
Call your doctor straight away if you develop an eye infection, as this is a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
Corticosteroid eye drops should not be used for more than 10 days except under eye specialist supervision with regular checks for increased eye pressure.
Do not stop using FML suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to use the medication.
The safety of topical steroids during pregnancy has not been established. Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Call your doctor straight away if you develop blurred vision or notice any changes to your vision, as this is considered a serious side effect.
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.