Diclofenac is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Diclofenac ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to reduce swelling, pain, and light
sensitivity after cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery.
Diclofenac ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diclofenac ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac or other NSAIDs.
Before using diclofenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
medications, or if you have:
a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
diabetes;
arthritis;
glaucoma;
dry eye syndrome; or
if you have had other recent eye surgeries.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether diclofenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use diclofenac ophthalmic without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diclofenac ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Diclofenac ophthalmic is usually given 24 hours before cataract surgery, and continued
for 3 to 14 days after surgery. Using the medication for longer than prescribed may increase the
risk of serious side effects on your eyes.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to
create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and
away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye
(near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you
use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Use the eye drops only in the eye you are having surgery
on.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface,
including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in
your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has
particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle
tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of diclofenac ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about diclofenac ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about diclofenac ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
eye pain, redness, or watering;
vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;
white patches on your eyes; or
crusting or drainage of your eyes.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
swollen or puffy eyelids;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
weakness, fever or chills;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
runny nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac or other NSAIDs.
Before using diclofenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
medications, or if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, diabetes, arthritis, glaucoma,
dry eye syndrome, or if you have had other recent eye surgeries.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as
warfarin (Coumadin).
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using the
medication for longer than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects on your eyes.
For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been
approved by your doctor. Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has
prescribed them.
What should I avoid while taking diclofenac ophthalmic?
For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been
approved by your doctor.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
What other drugs will affect diclofenac ophthalmic?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as
warfarin (Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with diclofenac
ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of diclofenac ophthalmic?
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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009