difluprednate


difluprednate (ophthalmic)

(dye-floo-pred-nate) difluprednate,

Durezol

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: ocular agents
Pharmacologic: corticosteroids
Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery.

Action

Decreases inflammation.

Therapeutic effects

Decreased pain and inflammation following ocular surgery.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Limited systemic absorption.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
Ophthunknownunknownunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Active viral, mycobacterial or fungal infection of eyes and surrounding structures.Use Cautiously in: Obstetric: Use in pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus; Lactation: Use cautiously during lactation; Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

  • ↑ intraocular pressure
  • blepharitis
  • cataracts
  • conjunctival hyperemia
  • corneal edema
  • delayed healing
  • eye pain
  • infections
  • iritis
  • photophobia

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None noted.

Route/Dosage

Ophthalmic (Adults) 1 drop four times daily, starting 24 hr after surgery for 2 wk, then twice daily for one week, then further tapered based on response.

Availability

Ophthamic emulsion: 0.05% in 5 mL bottle

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess affected eye for pain and swelling during therapy.
  • Monitor intraocular pressure of difluprednate is used more than 10 days.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Acute pain (Indications)

Implementation

  • Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop into conjunctival sac of affected eye 4 times/day beginning 24 hrs after surgery and continuing throughout first 2 wks of postoperative period, followed by twice daily for a wk, then base dose on patient response.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient in correct technique and frequency for instillation of eye drops (see ).
  • Instruct patient to avoid wearing contact lenses during therapy.
  • Advise female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if redness, itching or inflammation develops or becomes aggravated.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in eye pain and inflammation following ocular surgery.