Fluorometholone eye drops

About fluorometholone eye drops

Fluorometholone eye drops work by providing relief from inflammation, redness and irritation

Before using fluorometholone eye drops

Before using fluorometholone eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby
• if you have ever had a viral, fungal or severe bacterial infection or tuberculosis of the eye
• if you have ever had any other eye problem that needed treatment from a doctor or specialist
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines
• Fluorometholone eye drops are not recommended for children under 2 years of age

How to use fluorometholone eye drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for 30 seconds
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use Fluorometholone drops in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use fluorometholone eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• The pressure in your eye should be checked regularly while using fluorometholone eye drops.
• The usual dose is one to two drops two to four times daily. During the first two days of treatment you may be asked to apply the drops every hour.
• Fluorometholone eye drops should not normally be used for longer than one week without being checked by the doctor.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with fluorometholone eye drops.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Always keep your appointments so that the progress of your condition can be checked.
• Because fluorometholone eye drops are only meant to be used for a short period of time do not use them more often, or for longer than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Fluorometholone eye drops are for external use only

Can fluorometholone eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects seen with fluorometholone eye drops are shown below:

If you experience pressure or pain in the eye you should see your doctor at once as this may be a sign of glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye).
Other side effects that are occasionally caused by fluoromethalone eye drops are thinning of the skin, fine red lines on the face, cataracts and poorer vision.
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to fluorometholone eye drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store fluorometholone eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard these eye drops four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines