Fluorometholone

FLUOROMETHOLONE – OPHTHALMIC SUSPENSION (flewr-oh-METH-oh-lone, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FML

USES: This medication is used to treat inflammation and swelling in the eye caused by allergies, infections, injuries or other conditions.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: For best effects, this medication must be used as directed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. Shake the eye drops before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting your eyes for a minute or two when applied. If stinging continues or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop:

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: eye problems, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: If the condition for which this was prescribed does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, consult your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Discard this if the suspension turns brown.