Difluprednate
About Difluprednate
Difluprednate belongs to the class of ocular medications used to treat inflammatory conditions after eye surgery. It is effectively used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, iritis (inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (iris)), uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea)), eye injury, postinfectious pain and inflammation.
Difluprednate contains Difluprednate, a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties that acts by inhibiting the chemicals, such as prostaglandins, production (chemical messengers) that make the eye red, swollen and itchy. It is used to treat post-operative eye pain and inflammation.
Difluprednate is for ophthalmic (use in the eyes) use only. Use Difluprednate as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Difluprednate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience watery eyes, irritation, eye itching, and increased sensitivity to light. Most of these side effects of Difluprednate are temporary, do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use Difluprednate without consulting your doctor if you have a damaged cornea, ulcers in the eye, eye infection producing pus, open lesions in the eye and glaucoma (a condition where the pressure inside the eye increases). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Difluprednate. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Difluprednate, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Difluprednate. Avoid touching the eyedropper with your bare hands or bringing it too close to the eyelids while administering drops, as this can contaminate the dropper tip and solution. If you wear contact lenses, please inform your doctor.
Uses of Difluprednate
Medicinal Benefits
Difluprednate contains Difluprednate, used to treat post-operative eye pain and inflammation. Difluprednate is a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting the chemicals, such as prostaglandins, production (chemical messengers) that make the eye red, swollen and itchy. Difluprednate is also used to treat post-infectious swelling and pain of the eyes, as well as anterior uveitis and inflammation that affects the front part of the eye.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket, and then insert the recommended number of drops as advised by your doctor. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Difluprednate is for ophthalmic use only.
- Avoid touching the dropper's tip to avoid contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Difluprednate
- Eye itching/irritation
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Eyes are more sensitive to light
Drug Warnings
Do not take Difluprednate if you are allergic or have had a severe reaction to the corticosteroids or any of the ingredients of Difluprednate. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Difluprednate. Difluprednate is not recommended for children under 1 year of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Do not stop taking Difluprednate even if you feel better without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and even worsen your condition. To avoid any contamination, avoid touching the tip of the dropper. Do not apply other eye medications simultaneously; wait for at least 15 minutes before applying the second medication. If you have had glaucoma (increased eye pressure), herpes simplex infection, or any other eye problem, do not take Difluprednate until prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may lead to glaucoma, resulting in damage to the optic nerve and defects in visual acuity and visual fields. Do not use eye drops for longer than recommended by your doctor, as they may suppress adrenal gland function and may increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye) and also increase the risk of a second infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Difluprednate may interact with a smallpox vaccine.
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Difluprednate should not be used in patients with fungal infections, viral infections such as herpes simplex or varicella, or parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, tuberculosis, a damaged cornea, ulceration, and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDifluprednate may cause interactions with alcohol. So it is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is unknown whether Difluprednate can be used in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant; the doctor may prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Difluprednate passes into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor before taking Difluprednate if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDifluprednate may cause mild and temporary vision disturbances. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
safe if prescribedDifluprednate is generally considered safe for liver patients when used as directed by the doctor. However, it is important to consult the doctor before using it, especially if you have any underlying liver conditions.
Kidney
safe if prescribedDifluprednate is generally considered safe for kidney patients when used as directed by the doctor. However, it is important to consult the doctor before using it, especially if you have any underlying kidney conditions.
Children
cautionDifluprednate should be used for children if prescribed by the doctor as the dose adjustments may be needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to maintain good hygiene to keep your eyes clean and irritant-free.
- Do not rub your eyes even though some ophthalmic drugs make your eye itchy.
- Know your allergy triggers, such as pollen, dust and other factors.
- Sleep for at least six to eight hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
- Wash your eyes with clean water at least twice a day.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and do not touch the dropper before using drops to avoid contamination.
- Reduce screen time (by avoiding watching TV or phone) and use sunglasses while going into the sunlight.
Special Advise
- If you are using other eye drops along with Difluprednate, maintain at least 15 minutes before administering other medicines in the same eye to avoid dilution.
- Have regular follow-up check-ups with your doctor to monitor for any potential problems, such as cataracts or increased pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is the medical term for significant inflammation within the eye. It can occur after certain types of eye surgery or if an external object penetrates the eye. People with glaucoma surgery (such as glaucoma filtering) or cataract surgery are at lifelong risk of getting endophthalmitis. Eye pain that intensifies following surgery or injury to the eye, as well as diminished or loss of vision, are symptoms. Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, including the iris and adjacent tissue, known as the ciliary body.
FAQs
Difluprednate is used to treat inflammatory conditions after eye surgery by reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort in the eye. It helps regulate the body's immune response to surgery, preventing complications such as pain, irritation, or vision problems, while promoting faster healing of the operated eye.
Difluprednate contains Difluprednate, a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties. It stops the release of certain natural substances in the eye responsible for pain, inflammation (redness and swelling), and other related symptoms.
The common side effects of Difluprednate are red eyes, eye pain, dry eyes, watery eyes, a change in taste, and blurred vision. These side effects are mild and temporary. In addition, it may cause inflammation of the cornea (the transparent outer layer of the eye).
Difluprednate is generally prescribed for 7 days. You should take this medicine for the duration given by your doctor. Avoid prolonged use, as it may cause cataracts (clouding of the lens) and increase the risk of secondary infection. If you use Difluprednate for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.
Avoid prolonged use, as it may cause cataracts (clouding of the eye) and also increase the risk of a second infection. Also, do not wear contact lenses while using Difluprednate.
Yes, Difluprednate is known to cause eye irritation. Difluprednate contains a preservative, Benzalkonium chloride, which is known to cause eye irritation. If symptoms become severe, please consult your doctor immediately.
You should apply Difluprednate to the affected eye(s) four times a day, starting 24 hours after your surgery and continuing for two weeks. After that, the frequency is reduced to twice a day for one week. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on how you are responding to the treatment.
If you are using Difluprednate for 10 days or longer, your doctor may recommend regular eye exams to monitor for potential increased eye pressure (a risk associated with corticosteroids). Additionally, the doctor may check for signs of cataract formation (clouding of the eye's natural lens, which can lead to vision problems) and monitor for a second infection or changes in the condition of your eyes, especially if the medication is used for an extended period.
It is generally best to avoid wearing contact lenses while using Difluprednate, as it may increase the risk of side effects, such as eye irritation. You can put your lenses back in about 15 minutes after using Difluprednate. If you wear contact lenses, please inform your doctor.
Once opened, use your bottle of Difluprednate within 4 weeks or until you have completed your full course of treatment, as prescribed by your doctor. After that, the medication may no longer be sterile and could become less effective. Please read the instructions on the label and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Yes, Difluprednate is a corticosteroid, and like other steroids, it may raise the pressure inside your eyes (known as intraocular pressure). If used for a long time, this could potentially lead to glaucoma (an eye condition that damages the nerve of your eye, leading to vision loss). Therefore, regular monitoring of eye pressure is recommended during treatment.
Difluprednate is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, which means the potential risks to the baby are unclear due to limited studies. Difluprednate is a corticosteroid that can pass into breast milk. Therefore, please consult your doctor before using Difluprednate during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Difluprednate should not be used in certain conditions, including glaucoma (increased eye pressure), active viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex), or any other eye problems unless prescribed by your doctor.
