Nepafenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.
Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension is used to reduce pain and swelling after cataract surgery.
Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use nepafenac ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
Before using nepafenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other eye drops, or if you have diabetes, dry eye syndrome, arthritis, or a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Nepafenac ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Before using nepafenac
You should not use nepafenac ophthalmic if you are allergic to nepafenac.
To make sure nepafenac ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nepafenac ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether nepafenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use nepafenac ophthalmic?
Use nepafenac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Nepafenac ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Shake the nepafenac eye drops well just before you use them.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
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Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
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Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the nepafenac eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use nepafenac eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Keep using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed, including drops to treat glaucoma. Use only the eye medications your doctor has prescribed.
Store nepafenac ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Nepafenac ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to nepafenac: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
Other common nepafenac side effects may be more likely to occur (some are effects of cataract surgery and not side effects of the medication):
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dry or sticky feeling in the eye;
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feeling like something is in your eye;
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eye redness;
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itching or watering of the eye;
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increased sensitivity to light;
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headache;
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nausea, vomiting; or
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stuffy nose.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Nepafenac Ophthalmic dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:
O.1% ophthalmic suspension:
1 drop instilled in the affected eye(s) three times a day beginning 1 day prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days following surgery.
0.3% ophthalmic suspension:
1 drop instilled in the affected eye(s) once daily beginning 1 day prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days following surgery. An additional drop should be administered 30 to 120 minutes prior to surgery.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:
Pediatric patients greater than or equal to 10 years or age:
O.1% ophthalmic suspension:
1 drop instilled in the affected eye(s) three times a day beginning 1 day prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days following surgery.
0.3% ophthalmic suspension:
1 drop instilled in the affected eye(s) once daily beginning 1 day prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days following surgery. An additional drop should be administered 30 to 120 minutes prior to surgery.
What other drugs will affect nepafenac ophthalmic?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with nepafenac ophthalmic, especially other steroid eye drops.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on nepafenac used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
