Fluorometholone vs. Loteprednol for Eye Inflammation and Allergic Conjunctivitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Fluorometholone

(FML)

Loteprednol

(Lotemax)

Summary for Fluorometholone

Prescription only

Fluorometholone is a prescription steroid eye drop used to treat eye inflammation symptoms. It can be used for adults and children as young as 2 years old. The eye drops are available in two strengths. The 0.1% strength is known under the brand name FML and also has a generic version. But the 0.25% strength comes as only the brand name FML Forte. The medication is applied directly into the affected eye 2 to 4 times a day. Common side effects include blurry vision and a burning feeling in the eye.

Indications for Fluorometholone

Eye inflammation

Pros and Cons for Fluorometholone

Pros

Should start to work within 2 days
Can be used for adults and children 2 years of age and older

Cons

Might need to use up to 4 times per day
Might need to get your eyes checked periodically if you use the eye drops for a long time

Common Side Effects for Fluorometholone

Burning or stinging in the eye
Eye irritation

Warnings for Fluorometholone

Risk of eye infection with long-term use
Risk of eye problems, like higher eye pressure, with long-term use
Slow healing of the eye after cataract surgery
Avoid contact lenses

Summary for Loteprednol

Prescription only

Loteprednol (Lotemax) is a steroid eye medication that comes in many strengths and forms to treat various eye conditions including recent eye surgery, dry eye, inflammation, and seasonal allergies.

Indications for Loteprednol

Dry eye disease
Eye inflammation conditions
Inflammation and pain after eye surgery
Eye inflammation due to seasonal allergies

Pros and Cons for Loteprednol

Pros

Applied directly where the pain or inflammation is
Causes fewer serious side effects than oral medications
Available as a suspension, gel, and ointment form

Cons

Slows healing and raises your risk of eye infection
May have to be used up to four times a day
Most forms are brand name only and may be expensive.

Common Side Effects for Loteprednol

Blurry vision
Burning after placing the drops into the eye
Itching
Feeling like there's something in your eye

Warnings for Loteprednol

HIGH EYE PRESSURE (GLAUCOMA)
CATARACTS
NEW OR WORSENED INFECTION
EYE INJURY OR DAMAGE
CONTACT LENS USE

Prices with our coupons for Fluorometholone vs. Loteprednol

Fluorometholone1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.1%

$30.04$49.30

Get free coupons

More Information

Loteprednol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%

$56.60$197.03

Get free coupons

More Information

Compare other Eye Inflammation and Allergic Conjunctivitis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Fluorometholone vs. Loteprednol