Napafenac
About Napafenac
Napafenac is an ophthalmic suspension used to prevent and treat eye pain and swelling associated with cataract surgery. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that target localized swelling in the eye. Your eye specialist will typically prescribe Napafenac to help manage post-operative discomfort and support healing.
To get the best results, you must use Napafenac consistently and exactly as directed by your eye care professional. You will apply these drops directly into the affected eye, ensuring you do not skip any scheduled doses. During this treatment period, protecting your eyes from direct sunlight and avoiding rubbing your eyes will help support your recovery.
While using Napafenac, some people may experience mild, temporary side effects like a sticky sensation or dry eyes. However, if you experience severe eye pain, sudden changes in your vision, or worsening redness, you should stop using the medicine and consult your doctor immediately. Safety is always the priority during post-surgical recovery.
Do not take this if you are allergic to NSAIDs, aspirin, or any ingredients in these eye drops. Before starting Napafenac, tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, diabetes, dry eye syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis, as these conditions can affect how your eye heals.
It is important to inform your doctor if you are using topical steroid eye drops, as combining them with Napafenac can delay healing. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure these eye drops are appropriate for your specific health needs.
Uses of Napafenac
Medicinal Benefits
Napafenac helps reduce pain and inflammation in the eye, particularly after eye surgery, supporting a more comfortable recovery. By controlling swelling and irritation, it helps protect eye health and promotes proper healing. Benefits may include:
- Helps reduce eye pain and discomfort following eye surgery.
- Reduces inflammation and swelling in the affected eye.
- Supports a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.
- Helps improve comfort during daily activities while the eye heals.
- Supports proper healing by controlling post-surgical inflammation.
- Helps reduce the risk of complications associated with excessive eye inflammation.
Directions for Use
- Recommended to use Napafenac three times a day or as advised by your doctor.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes and press your finger lightly against the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) to prevent the medicine from draining away.
- Avoid touching the container tip to prevent contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle.
Storage
Side Effects of Napafenac
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Temporary blurry vision immediately after application
- A sticky or dry feeling in the eye
- Mild eye irritation or feeling like something is in your eye
- Slight itching of the eye
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe eye pain, burning, or worsening redness
- Changes in your vision or sudden vision loss
- Discharge, crusting, or excessive tearing from the eye
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids, or difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
- Shake the bottle before use: Always shake the bottle well before applying Napafenac eye drops to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed.
- Remove contact lenses before application: If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using the drops. Follow your doctor's advice regarding when it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses after eye surgery.
- Allow time between eye medications: If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applying Napafenac and other eye medications.
- Avoid contaminating the dropper: Do not allow the dropper tip to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface, as this may contaminate the medicine.
- Inspect the suspension before use: Do not use the eye drops if the liquid appears discolored or contains unusual or large particles. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you notice any changes in appearance.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Topical steroid eye drops: Using these alongside Napafenac may increase the risk of corneal healing issues and slow down your recovery.
- Blood thinners (oral or topical): May increase the risk of bleeding in the ocular tissues during or after surgery.
Drug-Food Interactions
No interactions found
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes may have an increased risk of corneal side effects and delayed healing.
- Dry eye syndrome or ocular surface disease: May experience increased corneal thinning or damage when using topical NSAIDs.
- Bleeding disorders: May increase the risk of bleeding in eye tissues after surgery.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not take alcohol while using Napafenac as it may affect the effectiveness of your medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionNapafenac is a category C drug. When clinically needed, Napafenac is given to pregnant women after doing a risk/benefit assessment.
Breast Feeding
cautionNapafenac should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers
Driving
unsafeNapafenac may cause vision problems. So, avoid driving until your vision clears.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any history of liver disease.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease.
Children
unsafeNapafenac should not be used below the age of 10 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid touching your eye: Do not rub or touch the treated eye, as this can introduce bacteria and interfere with the healing process.
- Protect your eyes outdoors: Wear dark sunglasses when outside to shield your healing eye from bright sunlight, dust, and other environmental irritants.
- Keep water out of the eye: Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and getting water directly into your eye while bathing to help reduce the risk of infection.
- Limit screen time if needed: Reduce the use of phones, computers, and television if you experience eye strain, discomfort, or temporary blurry vision.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Keep all scheduled post-operative visits so your doctor can monitor your recovery and ensure your eye is healing properly.
Special Advise
If you are using other eye drops along with Napafenac, maintain an interval of at least 5 minutes before administering other medicines in the same eye to avoid dilution.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cataract surgery is performed to treat cataracts. Normally, the lens of your eye is clear, but a cataract causes the lens to become cloudy, which eventually affects your vision. So, to treat cataracts, a procedure is performed to remove the lens of your eye and replace it with an artificial lens is called cataract surgery. It causes Post-operative risks like pain, inflammation and infection in the eye.
FAQs
Napafenac is used for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.
Napafenac inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that further prevents the formation of chemical messengers called 'prostaglandins' (PGs). These prostaglandins are produced at the operated site and cause pain and swelling in the eye. By blocking COX enzymes' effect, lesser PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the operated site/injured or damaged site in the eye.
No,Napafenac cannot be administered with a contact lens. Because it does not allow the medicine into the eye.
Napafenac cannot be stopped suddenly. It should be done as advised by your doctor.
common side effects of Napafenac include decreased vision, foreign body sensation in the eye, increased intraocular pressure, watery eyes. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, stop the medicine and consult your doctor immediately.
Temporary blurry vision can occur right after putting the drops in your eye. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. Talk to your doctor if the blurriness persists.
The duration of treatment varies depending on your surgical recovery. Your doctor will specify exactly how long you need to use the drops. Talk to your doctor before stopping the medication early.
Yes, but you must wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applying different eye drops to prevent them from washing each other out. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a proper schedule.
The safety of Napafenac during pregnancy has not been fully established. It should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Touching the dropper tip to your eye, fingers, or any surface can introduce bacteria into the bottle, which may lead to a serious eye infection. Talk to your pharmacist if you think the tip has been contaminated.
Any remaining medicine should be discarded safely after your prescribed treatment course is complete or within 4 weeks of opening. Talk to your pharmacist about proper disposal methods in your area.
