Proper Use

Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. 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.

To use the eye drops:

  • Shake the bottle well just before each use.
  • 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.

The preservative used in the eye drops may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause irritation of your eyes. Contact lenses should be taken out before you use fluorometholone. Lenses may be put back in the eyes 15 minutes after you have used the medicine.

To use the eye 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 small amount (1/2 inch 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.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For eye conditions caused by swelling:
    • For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
      • Adults—Use one drop in the affected eye two to four times a day. During the first 24 to 48 hours, you may use this medicine every 4 hours, as directed by your doctor.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For ophthalmic dosage form (eye ointment):
      • Adults—Use a small amount (1/2 inch ribbon) in the affected eye one to three times a day. During the first 24 to 48 hours, you may use this medicine every 4 hours, as directed by your doctor.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Fluorometholone eye drops may be refrigerated. Keep from freezing.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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