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Flurbiprofen (Ophthalmic)

Generic name: flurbiprofen [ flur-bi-PROE-fen ]
Brand name: Ocufen
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

Uses for flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen eye drops are used to keep the pupils of the eye from getting smaller (miosis) during an eye surgery. This medicine is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using flurbiprofen

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of flurbiprofen eye drops in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of flurbiprofen eye drops in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

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.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of flurbiprofen

Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

Use one bottle for each eye before an eye surgery. Use of the same bottle of eye drops for both eyes is not recommended.

To use the eye drops:

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Precautions while using flurbiprofen

Your eye doctor will check you closely while you are using this medicine. This is to make sure that the medicine is working properly and not causing unwanted effects.

Slow or delayed healing may occur while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor before using this medicine together with a steroid eye medicine (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisolone, Ciprodex®).

If you hurt your eye or develop an eye infection, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

While applying this medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

Do not use other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of flurbiprofen

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

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

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.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: NSAID

Chemical Class: Propionic Acid (class)

Further information

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