Diclofenac Ophthalmic

Diclofenac Ophthalmic is a prescription medication used to reduce swelling, pain, and light sensitivity after a cataract or corneal refractive surgery. 

• Diclofenac Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Voltaren Ophthalmic

Common side effects of Diclofenac Ophthalmic include:

• Stinging,
• Burning or itching of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes and
• Temporary blurred vision when this medication is applied
• Watery eyes,
• Swollen or puffy eyelids,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Stomach pain,
• Weakness,
• Fever or chills,
• Headache,
• Sleep problems (insomnia), or
• Runny nose

Serious side effects of Diclofenac Ophthalmic include:

• Swelling of the eyes or face
• Red or bloody eyes
• Eye pain
• Feeling that something is in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Teary eyes
• Eye discharge or crusting

Rare side effects of Diclofenac Ophthalmic include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• 0.1%

Cataract Surgery

Adult dosage

• 1 drop in affected eye(s) four times daily for 2 weeks, beginning 24 hours post-surgery

Corneal Refractive Surgery

Adult dosage

• 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) within an hour pre-op & 15 minutes post-op; continue 1-2 drops four times daily for 3 days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Diclofenac Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Diclofenac Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Diclofenac Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Diclofenac Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to ASA, NSAIDs, or components of the formulation 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diclofenac Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diclofenac Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Contains sodium sulfite which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals NSAIDs may slow or delay healing
• Potential for cross-sensitivity to other NSAIDs or aspirin
• Interferes with platelet aggregation and may increase bleeding of ocular tissues; use caution in patients with a predisposition to bleeding
• Corneal effects, including keratitis, reported
• Remove contact lenses before application may reinsert them 10 minutes after instilling drops
• Corneal adverse reactions may occur in patients with keratitis after continued use that may result in loss of vision; discontinue use in patients with evidence of corneal epithelial damage
• Use caution in patients with diabetes (may be at risk of corneal adverse effects that may result in loss of vision)
• Use caution in patients with complicated ocular surgeries, corneal denervation, repeat ocular surface disease or corneal epithelial defects
• Use caution in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk is significantly lower than systemic administration of diclofenac; possibly compatible.