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diclofenac sodium
Used for Actinic Keratosis, Eye Inflammation, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Used for Actinic Keratosis, Eye Inflammation, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diclofenac eye drops are used to ease pain, redness, swelling, and light sensitivity after certain types of eye surgery. It's typically applied to the affect eye(s), typically four times a day. Some of the more common side effects of diclofenac eye drops include temporary stinging and burning. This medication is only available as a generic.
What is Diclofenac eye drops?
What is Diclofenac eye drops used for?
- Pain, swelling, and redness (inflammation) in the eye after cataract surgery
- Pain or light sensitivity in the eye after corneal surgery
How Diclofenac eye drops works
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It stops your body from making chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and redness in the eye.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Voltaren |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | NSAID |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Diclofenac eye drops
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Temporary stinging or burning sensation of the eye
- Redness and swelling of the cornea (keratitis)
- Teary eye
Less Common Side Effects
- High pressure inside the eye
- Blurry vision and trouble seeing clearly
- Redness and swelling of the iris (the colored part of the eye)
- Eye irritation or itchiness
- Eye infection (like pink eye)
- Dry eyes
- Eye discharge
- Eyelid swelling
The following Diclofenac eye drops side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal or stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
belching
bloody or black, tarry stools
cloudy urine
decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
dizziness
feeling of indigestion
headache
increased bleeding time
itching skin or rash
loss of appetite
pain in the chest below the breastbone
pale skin
severe stomach pain
swelling
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation
blurred vision
change in consciousness
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
confusion
difficult or troubled breathing
hostility
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
irritability
loss of consciousness
muscle twitching
nervousness
pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
seizures
sleepiness
slow or fast heartbeat
stupor
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
tightness in the chest
trouble sleeping
unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
N/A
GoodRx discount
$8.85
Pros and cons of Diclofenac eye drops
Pros
- Works well for eye pain, swelling, and redness
- Causes fewer serious side effects than oral diclofenac
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Cons
- Inconvenient to use because it's typically applied 4 times a day
- Can cause temporary stinging or burning after using
- Can put you at higher risk for eye damage, especially if you have certain medical conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Pharmacist tips for Diclofenac eye drops
- Wash your hands before putting diclofenac eye drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help keep your bottle clean and prevent eye infections.
- Use diclofenac eye drops exactly as prescribed. Using the drops longer or more often than what's prescribed can put you at higher risk for side effects, such as damage to your eyes.
- After placing a drop of medication in your eye, without squeezing your eyes shut, close them gently for 2 to 3 minutes with your head tilted downward. Then, press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by your nose. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the medication.
- If you need to put two diclofenac eye drops or use two different eye medications in the same eye, wait 5 minutes between each drop. If you put in the second drop too soon, it can flush out the first drop and you won't get the full dose of the medication.
- Don't wear soft contacts while using diclofenac eye drops because you might experience eye-related side effects. Ask your provider when it's safe for you to start wearing contact lenses again.
- If you're pregnant, check with your provider before using diclofenac eye drops. This medication isn't recommended for use during pregnancy because it wasn't studied in human pregnancy.
Risks and warnings for Diclofenac eye drops
Diclofenac eye drops can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: History of bleeding problems | Using other medications that raise your risk of bleeding
Although rare, diclofenac eye drops can put you at risk for bleeds after eye surgery. Let your provider know if you have a history of bleeding problems or if you take any medications that can make you more likely to bleed, such as blood thinners. Call your provider if you notice blood spots on your eye, especially if you just had eye surgery.
Slower healing
- Risk factors: Using corticosteroid eye drops
If you have any type of eye injury, diclofenac eye drops can slow down the healing process, especially if you're also using corticosteroid eye drops, such as prednisolone (Pred Forte) or dexamethasone (Maxidex). If you just had eye surgery, discuss with your provider which eye drops are most appropriate for you.
Cornea problems
- Risk factors: History of problems with the cornea or surface of the eye | Multiple eye surgeries | Rheumatoid arthritis | Diabetes | Using diclofenac eye drops for more than 24 hours before surgery or 14 days after surgery
Diclofenac eye drops can cause redness, swelling, weakening, or injury to the cornea. The cornea is the clear, protective layer at the front of the eye. Cornea problems can seriously affect your eyesight, and they might cause blindness. Let your provider know if you have a history of any type of cornea problems or if you're having multiple eye surgeries. Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can put you at higher risk for cornea damage. Make sure you're getting regular eye check-ups while you're using diclofenac eye drops. Contact your provider immediately if you notice changes in your vision, or experience more eye pain or discomfort.
No soft contact lenses
Don't wear soft contacts while using diclofenac eye drops because doing so can lead to eye-related side effects. After surgery, your provider will let you know when it's safe to wear soft contacts again.
Diclofenac eye drops dosage
The average cost for 60 tablets of 75mg of Diclofenac eye drops is $14.38 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 31.39% off the average retail price of $20.96. 
Eye dropper
Eye dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5ml of 0.1% | 1 eye dropper | $17.79 | $17.79 |
| 2.5ml of 0.1% | 1 eye dropper | $13.42 | $13.42 |
Typical dosage for Diclofenac eye drops
Pain, swelling, and redness after cataract surgery: The typical dose is to place 1 drop into the affected eye(s) four times daily. Start 24 hours after surgery and continue for 2 weeks.
Pain or light sensitivity after corneal surgery: The typical dose is to place 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) within an hour before surgery, then again within 15 minutes after surgery. Continue to place 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) four times daily for up to 3 days.
More on Diclofenac eye drops dosage
Interactions between Diclofenac eye drops and other drugs
Diclofenac eye drops may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Diclofenac eye drops. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Budesonide
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Ceritinib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deferiprone
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Inotersen
- Ketoprofen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Cholestyramine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Colestipol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Diclofenac eye drops cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Diclofenac eye drops?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Diclofenac eye drops. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Diclofenac eye drops images
