Drug Reference
Flurbiprofen
Propionic acid derivatives
Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Propionic acid derivatives
- Action class
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
- Mechanism
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
AnsaidLurbiprLurbiroOcufen
Available as
100 MG · Rectal Suppository0.3 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution100 MG · Oral Tablet50 MG · Oral Tablet200 MG · Extended Release Oral Capsule8.75 MG
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution is indicated for the inhibition of intraoperative miosis.
How it works
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Flurbiprofen sodium is one of a series of phenylalkanoic acids that have shown analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activity in animal inflammatory diseases. Its mechanism of action is believed to be through inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme that is essential in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have been shown in many animal models to be mediators of certain kinds of intraocular inflammation. In studies performed on animal eyes, prostaglandins have been shown to produce disruption of the blood-aqueous humor barrier, vasodilatation, increased vascular permeability, leukocytosis, and increased intraocular pressure. Prostaglandins also appear to play a role in the miotic response produced during ocular surgery by constricting the iris sphincter independently of cholinergic mechanisms. In clinical studies, flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution has been shown to inhibit the miosis induced during the course of cataract surgery. Results from clinical studies indicate that flurbiprofen sodium has no significant effect upon intraocular pressure.
How to use / dosing
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION A total of four (4) drops of flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution should be administered by instilling one (1) drop approximately every 1/2 hour beginning 2 hours before surgery.
Side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Transient burning and stinging upon instillation and other minor symptoms of ocular irritation have been reported with the use of flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution. Other adverse reactions reported with the use of flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution include: fibrosis, hyphema, miosis, mydriasis, and ocular hyperemia. Increased bleeding tendency of ocular tissues in conjunction with ocular surgery has also been reported [see Warnings ]. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
Pregnancy Flurbiprofen has been shown to be embryocidal, delay parturition, prolong gestation, reduce weight, and/or slightly retard growth of fetuses when given to rats in daily oral doses of 0.4 mg/kg (approximately 300 times the human daily topical dose) and above. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from flurbiprofen sodium, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
WARNINGS With some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there exists the potential for increased bleeding time due to interference with thrombocyte aggregation. There have been reports that flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution may cause increased bleeding of ocular tissues (including hyphemas) in conjunction with ocular surgery. There is the potential for cross-sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, caution should be used when treating individuals who have previously exhibited sensitivities to these drugs.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to any components of the medication.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
Drug Interactions Interaction of flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution with other topical ophthalmic medications has not been fully investigated. Although clinical studies with acetylcholine chloride and animal studies with acetylcholine chloride or carbachol revealed no interference, and there is no known pharmacological basis for an interaction, there have been reports that acetylcholine chloride and carbachol have been ineffective when used in patients treated with flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution.
Overdose
OVERDOSAGE Overdosage will not ordinarily cause acute problems. If accidentally ingested, drink fluids to dilute.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.