
Inflammation is the body's protective response to a stimulus it recognizes as offensive. While inflammation is protective for the body as a whole, the inflammatory processes can cause scarring and damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Corticosteroids are used to preserve the normal structure of the tissues. They were developed in the 1940s, and till date remain the most potent agents for managing inflammation. Fluorometholone is one such steroid used for the management of inflammatory and allergic conditions of the eye.
Earlier fluorometholone was available as an alcohol derivative but now even the acetate derivative is available. The derivatives of steroid base (acetate, alcohol and phosphate) influence the bioavailability i.e. they determine the ability of steroid to penetrate the anterior chamber. Acetate and Alcohol derivatives are soluble in hydrophobic media whereas phosphate derivative is soluble in hydrophilic media. In the normal eye, an acetate derivative penetrates the best through the cornea, followed by alcohols, and then phosphates.
The derivatives of steroid base (acetate, alcohol and phosphate) also influence the bioactivity of that steroid so accordingly fluorometholone acetate shows superior anti inflammatory activity in the cornea than fluorometholone alcohol.
FLOSOFT contains Fluorometholone acetate 0.1%. It is the World's first formulation with SOC (Stabilized Oxychlorocomplex) as the preservative. SOC is introduced as an ophthalmic preservative in 1996. Once it enters the eye, it breaks into water and salt i.e. sodium and potassium ions (NaCl), these components are already found in natural tears. Also it has no effect on mammalian cells. Hence it is more comfortable than other preservatives (Benzalkonium chloride).
INDICATIONS
FLOSOFT (fluorometholone acetate ophthalmic suspension) is indicated for use in the treatment of steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the eye.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Shake Well Before Using. One to two drops instilled into the conjunctival sac(s) four times daily. During the initial 24 to 48 hours the dosage may be safely increased to two drops every two hours. If no improvement after two weeks, consult physician. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely.
FLOSOFT: Highlights