Durezol (difluprednate)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Difluprednate is a difluorinated corticosteroid.
Difluprednate is a difluorinated corticosteroid. The drug is a derivative of prednisolone and is structurally similar to other corticosteroids. Corticosteroids inhibit edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation.
Although the precise mechanism of the ocular effects of corticosteroids is unknown, corticosteroids are thought to act by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (collectively referred to as lipocortins); these proteins are postulated to control the biosynthesis of potent inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes) by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid.
Following ophthalmic administration for 7 days, blood concentrations of difluprednate were below the limit of detection (50 ng/mL), suggesting that systemic absorption of the drug is limited.
USES: This medication is used to treat swelling and pain after eye surgery. It may also be used to treat a certain serious eye problem (endogenous anterior uveitis). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.
Generic name: difluprednate
Pronunciation: (DYE-floo-PRED-nate)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Durezol
Indications
The following indications are listed for Durezol:
- Anterior Uveitis
- Post-Op Ocular Inflammation
- Postoperative Ocular Pain
Also known as: Post-Op Ocular Pain, Postoperative Eye Pain, Postoperative Ocular Inflammation, Postoperative Ophthalmic Inflammation.
Dosing
The recommended initial adult dosage of difluprednate for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain in patients who have undergone ocular surgery is 1 drop of a 0.05% emulsion in the affected eye(s) 4 times daily, beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period. After 2 weeks of therapy, dosage should be reduced to 1 drop twice daily for 1 week and then gradually tapered according to response.
Difluprednate is applied topically in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) as an ophthalmic emulsion. Care should be taken to avoid contamination of the emulsion container.
Patients should refrain from wearing contact lenses during therapy with difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion unless specifically directed by a clinician.
Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion may be used in conjunction with other topical ophthalmic drugs such as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha-agonists, cycloplegics, and mydriatics. If the patient is receiving more than one topical ophthalmic drug, the drugs should be administered 10 minutes apart from difluprednate administration.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Most active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva (including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella (chickenpox)); mycobacterial infection of the eye; and fungal diseases of ocular structures.
Known hypersensitivity to difluprednate, other corticosteroids, or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse ocular effects reported in 5-15% of patients receiving difluprednate include corneal edema, ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia, eye pain, photophobia, posterior capsule opacification, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, conjunctival edema, and blepharitis. Adverse ocular effects reported in 1-5% of patients include reduced visual acuity, punctate keratitis, eye inflammation, and iritis.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
Category C. (See Users Guide)
Systemically administered corticosteroids distribute into milk and may suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other adverse effects. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in milk; caution if used in nursing women.
No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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