What is Flurbiprofen Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Flurbiprofen Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ocufen

Generic Names:

  • Flurbiprofen Sodium

Uses:

  • Keeps the pupils of the eyes from getting smaller during an eye surgery. This medicine is an (NSAID).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Ophthalmologic Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Flurbiprofen Sodium used for?

What form(s) does Flurbiprofen Sodium come in

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Flurbiprofen Sodium doses?

  • Bottle 2.5ML of 0.03%

Common Flurbiprofen Sodium prescriptions

  • Flurbiprofen Sodium
    2.5ml of 0.03% bottle

How to take Flurbiprofen Sodium

  • Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • If you are having surgery on both eyes, use a different bottle of medicine for each eye. Use of the same bottle of eye drops for both eyes is not recommended.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • If you are having surgery on both eyes, use a different bottle of medicine for each eye. Use of the same bottle of eye drops for both eyes is not recommended.

  • Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Flurbiprofen Sodium

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Flurbiprofen Sodium contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to flurbiprofen.

Flurbiprofen Sodium warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAID pain and arthritis medicines (such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Voltaren®).

  • This medicine might slow or delay healing.

  • Eye bleeding after eye surgery

  • Severe eye irritation, swelling, redness, or pain

Flurbiprofen Sodium interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you use acetylcholine chloride (Miochol®-E), carbachol (Miostat®), or a steroid eye medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, Ciprodex®).

  • This medicine might slow or delay healing.

Flurbiprofen Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe eye irritation, swelling, redness, or pain

  • Blurred vision, light sensitivity, tearing

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Eye bleeding after eye surgery

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild burning or stinging in the eyes