Fluorometholone (Into the eye)

Fluorometholone (flure-oh-METH-oh-lone)

Treats eye inflammation. This medicine is a corticosteroid (steroid medicine).

Brand Name(s):

FML Forte Liquifilm, FML Liquifilm, Flarex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Ointment, Drop

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• Eye drops:
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Remove contact lenses before you use the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting the contact lenses back in.
• Ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the eye drops in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, cataracts, or an eye infection. Tell your doctor if you had recent eye surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased pressure in your eye, which can damage the optic (eye) nerve
  • Eye problems (including glaucoma, cataracts) with long-term use
  • Slow or delayed healing of the eye
  • New or worsening eye infections
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or change in vision
• Increased pain, redness, discharge, swelling, or irritation of the eye

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Burning or stinging when you put the drops in your eyes
• Feeling of having something in the eye

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2025