fluorometholone (Flarex, FML, FML Forte)
Classes: Antivirals, Ophthalmic; Corticosteroids, Ophthalmic
Dosing and uses of Flarex, FML (fluorometholone)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic suspension
- 0.1%
- 0.25%
Inflammatory Eye Conditions
Instill 1-2 gtt in affected eye(s) QID; may use q2hr during first 24-48 hr
Use lowest dose possible
<2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
Other Indications & Uses
Ocular corticosteroid, antiinflammatory agent
Effective in iritis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and many ocular inflammatory diseases; bacterial and viral infections require concomitant antibacterial and antiviral coverage respectively
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic suspension
- 0.1%
- 0.25%
Inflammatory Eye Conditions
Instill 1-2 gtt in affected eye(s) QID; may use q2hr during first 24-48 hr
Use lowest dose possible
<2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
Flarex, FML (fluorometholone) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Glaucoma
Cataract
Potentiate super infection
Slow wound healing
Rare occurrences of systemic hypercorticoidism after use of topical dermatologic steroids applied to the skin
Other adverse effects include: allergic reactions; foreign body sensation; erythema of eyelid; eyelid edema/eye swelling; eye discharge; eye pain; eye pruritus; lacrimation increased; rash; taste perversion; visual disturbance (blurry vision); and visual field defect
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
Absolute: herpes simplex keratitis, ocular fungal disease, ocular tuberculosis, ocular viral disease
Relative: cataracts, glaucoma, ophthalmic infection
Cautions
Monitor closely with diabetes mellitus
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase IOP in susceptible individuals, resulting in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and in posterior subcapsular cataract formation
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Flarex, FML (fluorometholone)
Absorption: following topical instillation of corticosteroids into the conjunctival sac, the drugs are absorbed into the aqueous humor, & systemic absorption occurs
Mechanism of action
Synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid