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Diclofenac sodium

Anti-inflammatory · Rx
Trade namesVoltaren Ophthalmic
Drug classTopical NSAID
Strength0.1%
AvailabilityRx
Mechanism of actionPhenylacetic-acid NSAID; COX inhibition.
Indication / reason for usePost-cataract inflammation; post-refractive-surgery pain and photophobia; corneal abrasion analgesia.
Usual adult dosing1 drop 4×/day; for post-op start 24 h after surgery for ~2 weeks.
PreservativeHistorically contained sorbic acid / EDTA; some BAK
Contact lensesRemove lenses before use.
Common / important adverse effectsBurning/stinging, keratitis; historical clusters of corneal melts with a reformulated generic, class caution applies.
Contraindications & cautionsNSAID hypersensitivity; at-risk corneas; third trimester.
Pregnancy / lactationAvoid in the third trimester.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.

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