Dosing and uses of Voltaren Ophthalmic (diclofenac ophthalmic)
Dosing Strength
ophthalmic solution
- 0.1%
Cataract Surgery
1 gtt in affected eye(s) four times daily for 2 weeks, beginning 24 hours post-surgery
Corneal Refractive Surgery
1-2 gtt in affected eye(s) within 1 hour pre-op & 15 minutes post-op; continue 1-2 gtt four times daily for 3 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Voltaren Ophthalmic (diclofenac ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Mild ocular stinging, irritation
May slow corneal wound healing
Lacrimation
Increased IOp
Keratitis
Dizziness
Insomnia
Pain
Fever
Chills
Nausea/vomiting
Abdominal pain
Corneal deposits
Corneal edema
Conjunctivitis
Irritation
Eyelid swelling
Corneal perforation
Corneal thinning
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ASA, NSAIDs, or components of the formulation
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 predisposition to bleeding
Corneal effects, including keratitis, reported
Remove contact lenses before application, may reinsert 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
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk significantly lower than systemic acministration of diclofenac; possibly compatible
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Voltaren Ophthalmic (diclofenac ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent; inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, which results in decreased formation of prostaglandin precursors
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Negligible
