Nepafenac: Difference between revisions

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'''Nepafenac''' is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a prodrug of [[Amfenac]], used in the form of eye drops to relieve pain and inflammation caused by cataract surgery. It is marketed under the trade name '''Nevanac''' (0.1%) and '''Ilevro''' (0.3%) by [[Alcon]].
{{Short description|A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in ophthalmology}}
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==Pharmacology==
'''Nepafenac''' is a [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug]] (NSAID) used in [[ophthalmology]] to manage pain and inflammation associated with [[cataract surgery]]. It is a [[prodrug]] that is converted to its active form, [[amfenac]], in the eye.
Nepafenac is a prodrug that penetrates the cornea and is then converted into the active metabolite, amfenac, by intraocular tissues. Amfenac is a potent inhibitor of the [[cyclooxygenase]] (COX) enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation and pain.


==Medical uses==
==Mechanism of Action==
Nepafenac is used for the reduction of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. It is also used off-label for the treatment of [[macular edema]] following retinal vein occlusion, as well as for the prevention of macular edema following cataract surgery in diabetic patients.
Nepafenac works by inhibiting the [[cyclooxygenase]] (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for the synthesis of [[prostaglandins]]. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation and pain. By reducing their production, nepafenac helps to alleviate these symptoms.


==Side effects==
==Pharmacokinetics==
The most common side effects of nepafenac are decreased visual acuity, punctate keratitis, corneal edema, and eye inflammation. Rare but serious side effects include corneal melts, corneal perforation, and retinal vascular occlusion.
Nepafenac is administered as an [[ophthalmic suspension]]. Upon instillation into the eye, it penetrates the corneal tissue and is rapidly converted by intraocular hydrolases to amfenac, which is the active form. Amfenac then inhibits the COX enzymes within the eye.


==History==
==Clinical Uses==
Nepafenac was approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in 2005 for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.
Nepafenac is primarily used to reduce pain and inflammation following [[cataract surgery]]. It may also be used in other ocular inflammatory conditions as deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider.


==See also==
==Side Effects==
* [[List of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
Common side effects of nepafenac include:
* Transient burning or stinging upon application
* [[Conjunctival hyperemia]]
* [[Corneal edema]]
 
Serious side effects are rare but may include:
* [[Corneal thinning]]
* [[Corneal erosion]]
* [[Delayed wound healing]]
 
==Contraindications==
Nepafenac should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to nepafenac, amfenac, or any other components of the formulation. Caution is advised in patients with a history of [[bleeding disorders]] or those taking other medications that may increase bleeding risk.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]
* [[Cataract surgery]]
* [[Cataract surgery]]
* [[Macular edema]]
* [[Prostaglandin]]


[[Category:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
[[Category:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Prodrugs]]
{{Medicine-stub}}

Revision as of 11:50, 15 February 2025

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in ophthalmology


Nepafenac
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Nepafenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in ophthalmology to manage pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. It is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, amfenac, in the eye.

Mechanism of Action

Nepafenac works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation and pain. By reducing their production, nepafenac helps to alleviate these symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Nepafenac is administered as an ophthalmic suspension. Upon instillation into the eye, it penetrates the corneal tissue and is rapidly converted by intraocular hydrolases to amfenac, which is the active form. Amfenac then inhibits the COX enzymes within the eye.

Clinical Uses

Nepafenac is primarily used to reduce pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. It may also be used in other ocular inflammatory conditions as deemed appropriate by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

Common side effects of nepafenac include:

Serious side effects are rare but may include:

Contraindications

Nepafenac should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to nepafenac, amfenac, or any other components of the formulation. Caution is advised in patients with a history of bleeding disorders or those taking other medications that may increase bleeding risk.

Related pages