Fluorometholone
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
Introduction
A synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid; structurally related to progesterone.
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.
Treatment of chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from burns or penetration of foreign bodies.
Bacterial Ophthalmic Infections
Used for anti-inflammatory properties in conjunction with appropriate anti-infective therapy in some bacterial infections of the eye; used in fixed combination with sulfacetamide sodium or tobramycin when such combination therapy is indicated. If an ophthalmic corticosteroid is used in combination with an ophthalmic anti-infective, weigh benefits against risks. (See Infections under Cautions.)
Fluorometholone Dosage and Administration
Administration
Ophthalmic Administration
Apply topically to the eye(s) as an ophthalmic ointment or suspension.
Not for injection.
Shake suspension vigorously prior to use.
Avoid contamination of the preparation container.
Do not administer suspensions containing benzalkonium chloride while wearing soft contact lenses. (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.
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. During initial 24–48 hours, dosage may be increased to 1 drop every 4 hours.
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.
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. May be applied every 4 hours during initial 24–48 hours of therapy.
If improvement does not occur after 2 days, reevaluate the patient.
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease and response to therapy. Do not discontinue prematurely.
In chronic conditions, gradually taper the dosage when the drug is discontinued to avoid exacerbation of the disease.
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.
Fluorometholone acetate and tobra...
