Fluorometholone
Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension 0.1% is indicated for the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive inflammation of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea and anterior segment of the globe.
Mechanism of effect
There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins.
Pharmacodynamic
Corticosteroids such as fluorometholone inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing.
Drug indications
Anti-InflammationDosage
Usual Adult Dose for Steroid Responsive Inflammatory Conditions
Fluorometholone 0.1%/0.25% suspension: 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 2 to 4 times per day
Fluorometholone acetate suspension: 1 to 2 drops instilled into the conjunctival sac(s) 4 times per day
Ointment: A small amount (approximately 1.5 inch ribbon) of ointment should be applied to the conjunctival sac 1 to 3 times per day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Steroid Responsive Inflammatory Conditions
2 years or older:
Fluorometholone 0.1%/0.25% suspension: 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 2 to 4 times per day
Ointment: A small amount (approximately 1.5 inch ribbon) of ointment should be applied to the conjunctival sac 1 to 3 times per day
Drug contraindications
hypersensitivity to drug or its components. , viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva , fungal diseases of ocular structuresSide effects
Blurred vision , Infections , wound healing complications , increased ocular tension , glaucoma , infrequent optic nerve damageAlerts
1-Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase intraocular pressure 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. Prolonged use may also suppress the host immune response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections.
Points of recommendation
1-If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored 2-If inflammation or pain persists longer than 48 hours or becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician. 3-The preservative in fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Patients wearing soft contact lenses should be instructed to wait at least 15 minutes after instilling fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension to insert soft contact lenses.
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