diclofenac ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac ophthalmic?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is diclofenac ophthalmic?
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Diclofenac ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to reduce swelling, pain, and light sensitivity after certain eye surgeries.
Diclofenac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using diclofenac ophthalmic?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an allergy to an NSAID (including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, celecoxib, indomethacin, and others);
- bleeding problems;
- diabetes;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- glaucoma; or
- dry eye syndrome.
Also tell your doctor about any other recent or planned eye surgeries.
May harm an unborn baby if used during late pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Diclofenac ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use diclofenac ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Diclofenac ophthalmic is usually given 24 hours before eye surgery and continued for 3 to 14 days. Do not use for longer than prescribed or you could have serious side effects.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the prescribed number of drops.
Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.
Your doctor may insert a special contact lens, to be left in your eye for 3 days after surgery. Do not use any other type of contact lens during this time.
You may need vision exams for up to a year after your eye surgery.
Store at room temperature, tightly closed and protected from light. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
What should I avoid while using 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 other eye medications during treatment with diclofenac ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
- worsening eye pain, redness, or excessive watering;
- swollen or puffy eyelids;
- white discoloration over your pupil or iris (the colored part of your eye);
- crusting or drainage from your eyes; or
- headache, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, weakness, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms (can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream).
Common side effects may include:
- eye pain or redness;
- watery eyes; or
- vision changes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect diclofenac ophthalmic?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially a steroid medicine applied to the skin.
Other drugs may affect diclofenac ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about 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.
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