Indications
Bromfenac Sodium eye drops are used to reduce pain and inflammation (swelling and redness inside the eye) after cataract surgery.
How It Works
Bromfenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks enzymes (COX enzymes) that make prostaglandins, natural chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the eye after surgery.
Dosage and Administration
Only as prescribed by the eye doctor. Usually 1 drop into the operated eye once or twice a day, depending on the strength, starting 1 day before surgery and continuing for about 2 weeks afterwards.
Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put in one drop without touching the eye with the tip of the bottle. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before putting them back, although lenses are usually avoided after surgery.
Interactions
Using steroid eye drops at the same time may slow healing of the eye surface; your doctor will decide if both are needed. Medicines that thin the blood, such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel or Aspirin, may slightly increase the risk of bleeding in the eye. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Bromfenac or any ingredient of the drops
- Asthma, hives or nasal swelling triggered by Aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Allergy to sulfites (some products contain sodium sulfite)
Side Effects
Common: stinging or burning on putting in the drops, eye irritation, redness, itching, a feeling of something in the eye, blurred vision for a short time, and headache.
Less often: inflammation of the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) or slow healing.
Get medical help at once for severe or increasing eye pain, worsening vision, much more sensitivity to light, or bleeding in the eye, or for signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Only very small amounts reach the blood, but NSAIDs are best avoided in late pregnancy. Use in pregnancy only if the doctor advises. Breastfeeding is usually possible; ask your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell the doctor if you have diabetes, dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis, problems with the cornea, or have had several eye operations close together, as eye surface problems are more likely.
- Do not use for longer than prescribed.
- Do not drive until your vision is clear.
- Do not share the bottle with anyone.
Overdose
Using too many drops is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water. If the drops are swallowed, contact a doctor for advice.
Therapeutic Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye preparation (ophthalmic NSAID).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Throw away 4 weeks after first opening.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.