Bromfenac: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Information 

Bromfenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used in ophthalmology for reducing inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. It is typically administered as eye drops and works by decreasing prostaglandins, which reduces inflammation.

Common Indications

• Post-Surgical Eye Inflammation: The established indication for Bromfenac ophthalmic solution is the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain following cataract surgery. Use for other types of eye surgery should only be based on the specific product’s labeling and your doctor’s guidance, rather than assumed to be a general use for “eye surgery” broadly.

Dosage and Administration

• Standard Dose: Dosing depends on the specific product and strength prescribed. Current bromfenac ophthalmic products (such as 0.09% or 0.07% formulations) are commonly dosed once daily, generally starting shortly before or on the day of surgery and continuing for up to about 14 days postoperatively; some earlier formulations were dosed twice daily. Follow the dose and schedule specified for your prescribed product and your doctor’s instructions rather than a general once-or-twice-daily assumption.
• Route: Ophthalmic (eye drops).
• Do not exceed the dose or duration prescribed by your doctor using it for longer than directed can increase the amount absorbed and the risk of side effects.

Important Precautions

• Do not wear contact lenses while using Bromfenac eye drops. Remove contact lenses before instilling the drops, and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in.
• If using other eye drops or eye medicines, wait at least 5 minutes between different products.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, to prevent contaminating the drops.
• Patients with certain conditions including diabetes, dry eye or other ocular surface disease, rheumatoid arthritis, complicated eye surgeries, or repeat eye surgeries within a short period — may be at higher risk for corneal problems and should use this medicine with extra caution and monitoring.
• Use beyond about 14 days after surgery, or starting it more than 24 hours before surgery, may increase the risk of corneal problems follow your doctor’s specific duration.
• Patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to Bromfenac, other NSAIDs, or any component of the specific product should tell their doctor before use, since cross-sensitivity between NSAIDs is possible (see Contraindications and Precautions below).
• Stop using the drops and contact your eye doctor right away if you notice blurred or changed vision, eye redness, irritation, or pain that doesn’t resolve this can be an early sign of a corneal problem (see Adverse Reactions below).

Adverse Reactions

• The following reflect adverse reactions reported for bromfenac ophthalmic products in clinical use; the specific reactions and their frequency can vary somewhat by product and strength.
• Common: Mild eye irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light.
• Serious: Rare cases of corneal thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation, particularly with use beyond the recommended duration or in patients with certain risk factors (see Important Precautions above).

Drug Interactions

• Blood thinners or other medicines that prolong bleeding time: Bromfenac should be used with caution in patients with known bleeding tendencies or who are taking medicines that affect blood clotting, since topical NSAIDs can add to bleeding risk, particularly around eye surgery.
• Other topical eye medicines: When using more than one eye drop product, space them at least 5 minutes apart (see Important Precautions above).

This is not a complete list  always tell your eye doctor about all the medicines you’re taking, including blood thinners and other eye drops.

Contraindications and Precautions

Known hypersensitivity to Bromfenac or any component of the specific product is a contraindication. A history of hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs is an important precaution to discuss with your doctor before use, since cross-sensitivity is possible, even though it may not be listed as a formal contraindication for every bromfenac product.

Effect on Pregnancy and Organ Function

• Pregnancy: NSAIDs, including Bromfenac, can pose risks to the fetus, particularly with use later in pregnancy. There isn’t extensive human data specifically on Bromfenac eye drops in pregnancy. This medicine should only be used in pregnancy when specifically recommended by your treating doctor, who can weigh the potential risks against the need for treatment for the specific product prescribed.
• Kidney/Liver: Systemic exposure is generally lower with ophthalmic (eye drop) use than with oral NSAIDs, but some systemic absorption does occur. Patients with significant kidney or liver disease should inform their doctor before using Bromfenac, so this can be factored into their care.

Brand Names (India & US)

• India: Bromfenac Eye Drops (generic, 0.09% strength) sold under various manufacturer brand names.
•  US: Prolensa (0.07%), Bromday (0.09%).

Available Strengths & Approximate Price in India

Bromfenac eye drops are available in a few different strengths depending on the product commonly 0.09% (the most widely available strength in India), with 0.07% (Prolensa) and 0.075% also used in some markets.

Approximate price in India: ₹75–₹185 for a 5 mL bottle (0.09%), based on current Indian brand listings. Prices may vary depending on brand, manufacturer, pack size, pharmacy, and location, and should be confirmed with a pharmacy at the time of purchase.

How HealthPil Can Help

HealthPil’s ophthalmologists provide consultations for managing post-surgical eye care and inflammation. Book a consultation to receive tailored advice for eye health.