Pacinac

Indications

Nepafenac eye drops are used to treat pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. They are also used to lower the risk of swelling at the back of the eye (macular oedema) after cataract surgery in people with diabetes.

How It Works

Nepafenac passes into the eye and is changed into an active form that blocks prostaglandins, natural substances that cause pain, redness and swelling.

Dosage and Administration

Shake the bottle well before use. Usual adult dose of the 0.1% drops: 1 drop in the operated eye three times a day; the 0.3% drops are used once a day. Treatment usually starts the day before surgery, continues on the day of surgery and for a few weeks afterwards, as prescribed by the eye surgeon. Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops. Not recommended for children.

Interactions

Using it together with steroid eye drops may slow healing of the eye surface. Medicines that thin the blood or affect bleeding may slightly increase the chance of bleeding in the eye. Tell your eye doctor about all eye drops and medicines you use.

Contraindications

Allergy to nepafenac or any ingredient, or to other anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, including asthma, hives or runny nose triggered by them.

Side Effects

Common: brief blurred vision, eye discomfort, a sticky feeling, dryness or itching. Get urgent medical help if eye pain gets worse, vision drops, redness does not settle, or the eye becomes very sensitive to light, as these can be signs of damage to the clear front of the eye (cornea). Also seek help for signs of allergy.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in the last three months of pregnancy. At other times use only if the doctor decides it is needed. Very little reaches the blood, so harm to a breastfed baby is unlikely, but ask the doctor first.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with extra care if you have diabetes, dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis, a damaged cornea or repeated eye surgery in a short time, as healing problems are more likely. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. Vision may blur for a moment after use; wait until it clears before driving.

Overdose

Extra drops in the eye are unlikely to cause harm; rinse with clean water. If swallowed, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ophthalmic.

Storage

Store below 30°C and do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Throw away 4 weeks after opening.