Is fluorometholone (FML) a steroid?

Yes, fluorometholone (FML) is a [steroid eye drop](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/eye-inflammation/steroid-eye-drops). It helps lessen [inflammation in the eye](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/eye-inflammation). This is often helpful for managing symptoms after eye surgery, like [cataract surgery](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/eye-drops-after-cataract-surgery).

How long does it take for fluorometholone (FML) to work?

Eye inflammation should begin to get better [within 2 days](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=c9cbf06e-5413-4c3c-9ded-174c856a4ce1&type=display#:~:text=persists%20longer%20than-,48%20hours,-or%20becomes%20aggravated) after you start using fluorometholone (FML). If your symptoms don't get better or get worse after these 2 days, reach out to your prescriber. They can see if you should continue using this medication or if they need to change your treatment plan.

Can fluorometholone (FML) cause headaches?

[Headache](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/headaches) isn't a typical side effect of fluorometholone (FML). If you have headaches that keep coming back, talk to your primary care provider.

Can you use fluorometholone (FML) for dry eyes?

No. Fluorometholone (FML) isn't meant for relieving dry eye. It should only be used as prescribed to help with eye inflammation problems. Don't use extra drops or leftover fluorometholone (FML) to treat dry eyes. Instead, look for over-the-counter [options for dry eye](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dry-eye/what-really-works-to-treat-dry-eye), such as [Artificial Tears](https://www.goodrx.com/artificial-tears/what-is). If you use eye drops for dry eye and fluorometholone (FML), be sure to use them [at least 5 minutes apart](https://www.safemedication.com/how-to-use-medication/eye-drops) from each other. This helps each medication get absorbed into your eye.

fluorometholone

Generic FML

Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis, Eye Inflammation

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.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 21, 2026

What is Fluorometholone (FML)?

What is Fluorometholone (FML) used for?

Eye inflammation

How Fluorometholone (FML) works

Fluorometholone (FML) is a corticosteroid. The exact way it works isn't fully known. But it's thought to block certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

When used in the eye, fluorometholone (FML) helps lower inflammation in the eye. It helps relieve symptoms like swelling, itchiness, and redness.

Are you looking for information on Flarex (fluorometholone) or fluocinonide (Vanos) instead?

When does Fluorometholone (FML) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

Full effect

WEEKS

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	FML, FML Forte
Drug Class	Corticosteroid
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

FML, FML Forte

Drug Class

Corticosteroid

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Fluorometholone (FML)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Burning or stinging in the eye
Eye irritation

Less Common Side Effects

Rise in eye pressure
Feeling like something is in your eye
Eyelid redness
Eyelid swelling
Eye discharge
Eye pain
Itchy eye
Watery eye
Blurry vision
Losing part of your field of vision
Abnormal taste
Rash

Fluorometholone (FML) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

High eye pressure or eye injury: eye pain, discomfort, change in vision that doesn't go away
Eye infection: eye pain, eye discharge, eye redness, swelling around the eye

When do Fluorometholone (FML) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

MMINUTES

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Burning or stinging in the eye

Eye irritation

Source: DailyMed

The following Fluorometholone (FML) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

blurred vision or other change in vision

burning, dry, or itching eyes

decreased vision

delayed wound healing

discharge from eye

headache

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

nausea or vomiting

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

tearing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Burning and stinging sensation when medicine is applied

drooping upper eyelids

feeling of having something in the eye

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

See more Fluorometholone (FML) side effects

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Avg retail price

$49.82(Save 39.70%)

$30.04

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Pros and cons of Fluorometholone (FML)

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

Pharmacist tips for Fluorometholone (FML)

Fluorometholone (FML) should start to work soon after you begin using the eye drops. If your eye inflammation and pain don't improve or get worse after 2 days, talk to your care team. They can see if you should keep using the medication or if you should get your eyes checked out again.
Be sure to wash and dry your hands before you use fluorometholone (FML). Also wash your hands well after using.
How to use the fluorometholone eye drops: Shake the eye drop bottle well before using. Then, tilt your head backward, look up, and gently pull your lower eyelid down. Hold the bottle upside down with the tip above your eye and squeeze one drop into this pocket. Then, close your eye and press a finger to the inner corner of your eye for about a minute. This helps keep the medication in your eye.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using fluorometholone (FML). Then, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication to put them back into your eye(s). The eye drops contain a preservative that can damage the lenses.
Don't let the tip of the fluorometholone (FML) bottle touch your eye or any other surface. Also don't touch the tip with your hands. Then, keep the bottle capped and closed tightly when you're not using it. This all help to prevent getting germs into the medication. Using contaminated medication can raise your risk of an eye infection.
Don't share fluorometholone (FML) with anyone. This helps prevent the spread of germs if the medication gets contaminated.
If you use other eye medications with fluorometholone (FML), make sure to wait at least 5 minutes between each one. This gives your eye time to absorb each medication.
Store the fluorometholone eye drops (FML) in a cool and dry place at room temperature (up to 77ºF).

Common questions about Fluorometholone

Yes, Fluorometholone is a steroid eye drop. It helps lessen inflammation in the eye. This is often helpful for managing symptoms after eye surgery, like cataract surgery.

Eye inflammation should begin to get better within 2 days after you start using Fluorometholone. If your symptoms don't get better or get worse after these 2 days, reach out to your prescriber. They can see if you should continue using this medication or if they need to change your treatment plan.

There isn't a specific amount of time that you can use Fluorometholone for. In general, you should use the eye drops for as long as it's prescribed to you. If you need to use the medication for 10 days or more, check in with your prescriber. They might want to follow up with you or they might refer you to an eye specialist for eye exams. This helps check for possible long-term side effects like high eye pressure or eye infection.

FML and FML Forte are brand names of the fluorometholone eye drops. The main difference is their strengths. FML contains 0.1% of fluorometholone, whereas FML Forte contains 0.25%. Also, FML is available as a generic, whereas FML Forte is only available by brand name. Talk to your care team to see which one best fits your needs.

Headache isn't a typical side effect of Fluorometholone. If you have headaches that keep coming back, talk to your primary care provider.

Using steroid eye drops like Fluorometholone can sometimes raise your eye pressure. It's usually less likely with Fluorometholone than with other steroid eye drops. But your risk can still go up with longer use. If you need to use the eye drops for 10 days or more, your prescriber might check your eye pressure periodically. This is important because high eye pressure can raise the risk of glaucoma. Let your prescriber know if you already have glaucoma so they can follow up with you more closely. Also, talk to your prescriber or eye specialist if you have concerns about this side effect.

No. Fluorometholone isn't meant for relieving dry eye. It should only be used as prescribed to help with eye inflammation problems. Don't use extra drops or leftover Fluorometholone to treat dry eyes. Instead, look for over-the-counter options for dry eye, such as Artificial Tears. If you use eye drops for dry eye and Fluorometholone, be sure to use them at least 5 minutes apart from each other. This helps each medication get absorbed into your eye.

No, you can't find Fluorometholone over the counter. These eye drops are only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Risks and warnings for Fluorometholone (FML)

Fluorometholone (FML) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Risk of eye infection with long-term use

Risk factors: Long-term use | History of viral eye infections (including herpes simplex in the eye) | Untreated eye infection

Long-term use of fluorometholone (FML) can raise your risk of an eye infection. It can also make eye infections you already have worse or take longer to go away. Before starting this medication, tell your prescriber if you currently have an eye infection. This includes a herpes infection in the eye. You shouldn't use the eye drops until the infection is treated.

Get medical care if you notice more eye pain, redness, or swelling. Also get medical care if you see eye discharge, have blurry vision, or have itchy or burning eyes. These can be signs of an eye infection that needs to get checked out.

Risk of eye problems, like higher eye pressure, with long-term use

Risk factors: Long-term use | History of glaucoma or cataracts

Long-term use of fluorometholone (FML) can raise your eye pressure. This can put you at higher risk of glaucoma. Long-term use can also cause other eye problems, like cataracts or thinning of the cornea. These problems can damage the eye and affect your vision.

If you need to use fluorometholone (FML) for a long time (10 days or longer), you'll need to get regular eye exams. This helps check your eye health. Let your prescriber know if you have any vision changes or eye pain while using this medication.

Slow healing of the eye after cataract surgery

Steroid eye drops like fluorometholone (FML) can slow healing after eye surgery. Tell your prescriber if you recently had cataract surgery or some other eye surgery. If you need to use this medication after eye surgery, follow your care team's instructions so your eye can heal well.

Avoid contact lenses

Fluorometholone (FML) contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride. The preservative can get absorbed into soft contact lenses and damage them. Because of this, take out your contact lenses before you use the eye drops. Then, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication to put your contacts back in.

Fluorometholone (FML) dosage

The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.1% of Fluorometholone (FML) is $30.04 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 39.70% off the average retail price of $49.82.

Eye dropper

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
5ml of 0.1%	1 eye dropper	$30.04	$30.04
15ml of 0.1%	1 eye dropper	$77.22	$77.22
10ml of 0.1%	1 eye dropper	$51.02	$51.02

See more Fluorometholone (FML) dosage

Interactions between Fluorometholone (FML) and other drugs

Fluorometholone (FML) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluorometholone (FML). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more Fluorometholone (FML) interactions

How much does Fluorometholone (FML) cost?

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FML (brand)

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$30.04

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Fluorometholone (FML) (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$30.04

(save 90.81%)

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Fluorometholone (FML) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Fluorometholone (FML) will not be safe for you to take.