Diclofenac (Into the eye)
dye-KLOE-fen-ak SOE-dee-um
Reduces irritation after eye surgery. This medicine is an NSAID.
Drug classes
Ophthalmologic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Diclofenac ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat pain or swelling of the eye following cataract surgery. It is also used to relieve temporary pain and photophobia (oversensitivity of the eyes to light) in patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery (surgical procedure to reduce or cure certain eye or vision problems). This medicine is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Drop
Use this medicine as directed.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
Missed dose: Use your medicine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and use your regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how diclofenac works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
A blood thinner, such as warfarin An NSAID pain and arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen A steroid medicineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diclofenac.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an eye infection, bleeding problems, diabetes, arthritis, or an allergy to aspirin or other pain medicines.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using these eyedrops.
This medicine can cause the following problems:
Thinning, tearing, or swelling of your cornea (part of the outer layer of your eye), which can permanently affect your vision Slow or delayed healingThis medicine is not for long-term use.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Eye pain, blurred vision
Severe swelling, itching, or redness of eye
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild burning or stinging in the eyes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vofenal, Voltaren, Voltaren Ophtha
There may be other brand names for this medicine.