Generic name: riboflavin ophthalmic [ RYE-boe-flay-vin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Photrexa, Photrexa Viscous, Photrexa-Photrexa Viscous Cross-Linking Kit
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.146%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 13, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is riboflavin ophthalmic?

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important in the maintenance of many tissues of the body.

Riboflavin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a "photosensitive" solution used during a procedure to treat progressive keratoconus in adults and adolescents who are at least 14 years old.

Keratoconus (KER-a-toe-KOE-nus) is a degenerative eye disease that affects the cornea, the outermost layer on the surface of your eye. The cornea works by directing light toward the back of your eye to help you focus your vision. In people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and weak, and then bulges outward. This causes incoming light to be channeled in too many directions, causing distorted vision. Progressive keratoconus can cause vision problems that may eventually lead to vision loss or a corneal transplant.

Riboflavin ophthalmic is used together with ultraviolet (UV) light as part of a procedure called corneal collagen crosslinking.

Corneal collagen crosslinking is a method of applying riboflavin eye drops and UV light to the cornea. In this procedure, riboflavin eye drops are placed into the eyes over several minutes. Then a UV light is directed over the cornea. The riboflavin enhances the light, causing a reaction in collagen fibers inside the cornea. This procedure helps stiffen and strengthen your cornea to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.

Riboflavin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Riboflavin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Riboflavin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye redness or watering;

• severe eye pain; or

• sudden change in your vision.

Common side effects of riboflavin ophthalmic may include:

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• increased tearing;

• blurred vision, hazy vision;

• increased glare in your vision; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

ketorolac ophthalmic, Acular, Acular LS, Acular PF

Warnings

Avoid rubbing your eyes for at least 5 days after your corneal procedure.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure riboflavin ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using.

Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

How is riboflavin ophthalmic used?

A surgeon or other healthcare provider will give you riboflavin ophthalmic as part of your corneal collagen crosslinking procedure.

You will be given numbing eyedrops to prepare you for the procedure. You may also be given a sedative or anesthesia to help you relax. Although you will most likely be awake during the procedure, you should feel little or no discomfort. A special device will be placed around your eyelids to keep them open during the procedure.

Your eye surgeon will place riboflavin ophthalmic drops into your eyes about every 2 minutes during the procedure.

After the procedure, the surgeon will place a contact lens on the treated eye to protect it for a short time.

Call your doctor right away if the contact lens falls out or feels like it is out of place inside your eye.

You may also need to use antibiotic or steroid eyedrops to prevent infection and reduce swelling after your procedure. Carefully follow all after-care instructions and do not miss any follow-up appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because riboflavin ophthalmic is given as part of a medical procedure, this medicine has no daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since riboflavin ophthalmic is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after being treated with riboflavin ophthalmic?

Avoid rubbing your eyes for at least 5 days after your procedure.

Your eyes may be more sensitive to light after your procedure. Wear sunglasses when you are exposed to bright light.

What other drugs will affect riboflavin ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on riboflavin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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