flurbiprofen ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

flurbiprofen ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Ocufen

What is the most important information I should know about flurbiprofen ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What is flurbiprofen ophthalmic?

Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.

Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is used to prevent pupil constriction (reduced pupil size) during eye surgery.

Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic?

Do not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic if you have a herpes infection in your eye.

Before using flurbiprofen ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you

• have any type of bleeding or blood-clotting disease,

• have recently had surgery, or

• have stomach ulcers.

You may not be able to use flurbiprofen ophthalmic, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether flurbiprofen ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether flurbiprofen ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use flurbiprofen ophthalmic?

Use flurbiprofen ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store flurbiprofen ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.