Why is this medication prescribed?   

Diclofenac ophthalmic is used to treat eye pain, redness, and swelling in patients who are recovering from cataract surgery (procedure to treat clouding of the lens in the eye). Diclofenac ophthalmic is also used to temporarily relieve eye pain and sensitivity to light in patients who are recovering from corneal refractive surgery (surgery to improve vision). Diclofenac is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. It works by stopping the production of certain natural substances that cause pain and swelling.

How should this medicine be used?  

Diclofenac ophthalmic comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. When diclofenac ophthalmic is used by patients recovering from cataract surgery, it is usually instilled 4 times a day beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery. When diclofenac ophthalmic is used by patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery, it is usually instilled one hour before the surgery, 15 minutes after the surgery, and then four times a day for up to 3 days. Use diclofenac eye drops at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use diclofenac eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of them or use them more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the eye drops, follow these steps:

• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Shake the container well.
• Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
• Lie down or tilt your head back and look upward.
• Hold the bottle between your thumb and index finger and place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• Use the index finger of your other hand to gently press the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, then pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye.
• Close your eye gently.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine     

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose     

If someone swallows diclofenac eye drops, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Give the victim plenty of liquids to drink. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?     

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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