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Compare Loteprednol vs. FML

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Loteprednol (Lotemax) and fluorometholone (FML) are both prescription corticosteroid medications used to treat eye inflammation, but they have some differences. Loteprednol is available in various forms, including suspension, gel, and ointment, and is used for conditions like dry eye disease, post-surgery inflammation, and seasonal allergies. Fluorometholone, on the other hand, is available as a suspension and ointment and is primarily used for general eye inflammation. Both medications are available as brand and generic formulations. Loteprednol may need to be used up to four times a day, whereas fluorometholone's dosing can vary from three to four times daily depending on the severity of symptoms. Both medications can cause high eye pressure and slow healing, but Loteprednol is noted for potentially causing cataracts with long-term use.

  • Loteprednol (Lotemax)
    Fluorometholone (FML)
  • Loteprednol (Lotemax)
    Fluorometholone (FML)

  • Summary of Loteprednol vs. FML

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    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.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    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 of Loteprednol vs. FML

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

  • Pros and Cons of Loteprednol vs. FML

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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.
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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 of Loteprednol vs. FML

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Burning after placing the drops into the eye
    •Itching
    •Feeling like there's something in your eye
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or stinging in the eye
    •Eye irritation

  • Warnings of Loteprednol vs. FML

    Common Side Effects for
    •HIGH EYE PRESSURE (GLAUCOMA)
    •CATARACTS
    •NEW OR WORSENED INFECTION
    •EYE INJURY OR DAMAGE
    •CONTACT LENS USE
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Loteprednol vs. FML

    Learn more about Loteprednol
    Learn more about Fluorometholone

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