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Overview: Difluprednate is a steroid eye drop used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgery and to treat a type of eye inflammation called uveitis. Common side effects include eye irritation, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Only use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes or if your eye condition is getting worse while using difluprednate.

Uses

What is difluprednate used for?

Difluprednate is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To treat eye pain and inflammation after eye surgery 
  • To treat a type of uveitis, which is inflammation in part of your eye

Difluprednate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does difluprednate work (mechanism of action)?

Difluprednate is a steroid eye drop. It works by calming (suppressing) the immune system to reduce swelling and inflammation in the eye.

How is difluprednate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Durezol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (eye drops)

How should I store difluprednate?

Difluprednate should be stored inside the carton (to protect it from light) at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of difluprednate?

The most common side effects of difluprednate are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of difluprednate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of difluprednate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of difluprednate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Difluprednate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using difluprednate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Glaucoma. Difluprednate may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Do not use difluprednate for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Cataract. Difluprednate may cause cloudiness in your eye, which is also known as a secondary cataract. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Cloudy or blurred vision
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Problems with glare

Infections and Delayed Healing. Using difluprednate for a long period of time can lead to eye infections, including fungal infections in some cases. Difluprednate may also hide or worsen an active infection, slow healing, or lead to a hole (perforation) in part of the eye. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes, or if your eye condition is not improving. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of an eye infection.

  • Eye itchiness or redness
  • Eye discharge or pus
  • Worsening inflammation or irritation
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision
  • Fever
  • Eye pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use difluprednate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use difluprednate.

  • Difluprednate
  • Durezol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific difluprednate products they stock.

Certain Types of Infections. People with the following types of infections should not use difluprednate, as it could make these conditions worse.

  • Herpes simplex keratitis, which is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Most types of active viral infections of the eye, such as those caused by chickenpox (varicella) or poxvirus (vaccinia)
  • Mycobacterial infections of the eye, such as an infection from tuberculosis 
  • Fungal infection of the eye

What should I know about difluprednate before using it?

Do not use difluprednate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Make sure that you or a caregiver knows how to properly administer eye drops. If you have trouble getting the drops in your eye, talk to your healthcare provider.

Do not share difluprednate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep difluprednate out of the reach of children.

Eye infections may occur if the difluprednate bottle gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, be careful not to let the bottle tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

When difluprednate is used after eye surgery to treat pain and inflammation, it is not recommended to use the same bottle of difluprednate for both eyes. If you have surgery on both eyes, use a separate bottle for each eye. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about this.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using difluprednate eye drops. Then wait at least 10 minutes before you put your contacts in. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using difluprednate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if difluprednate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Glaucoma
  • A condition that causes thinning of the outer layer (cornea) or white of your eye
  • An infection

Planned Eye Surgery. Using difluprednate may raise the risk of eye problems after cataract surgery. Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to have cataract surgery. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how difluprednate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if difluprednate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use difluprednate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does difluprednate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between difluprednate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect difluprednate.

Does difluprednate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between difluprednate and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much difluprednate?

If you or someone else has used too much difluprednate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of difluprednate?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.