ophthalmic glucocorticoid (ophthalmic steroid)

Indications

• allergic conditions of the eye
  • should be prescribed by ophthalmologist only
  • refer patient within 24 hours to ophthalmology

Adverse effects

• may induce glaucoma resulting in vision loss within 1-2 weeks
• can mask symptoms of serious eye disease
  • herpes keratitis
  • corneal ulcer

• drug adverse effects of glucocorticoids
• drug adverse effects of immunosuppressive agents

Notes

• comments: experience at Kaiser-Permanente notes that a call to ophthalmology would invariably result in a recommendation for the primary care provider to prescribe Maxitrol

More general terms

• ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agnet
• glucocorticoid

More specific terms

• fluoromethalone 0.1% (FML, Flomex, Flarex)