Introduction
Difluprednate is a topical corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of infammation and pain associated with ocular surgery. It is a butyrate ester of 6(α), 9(α)-difluoro prednisolone acetate. Difluprednate is abbreviated DFBA, or difluoroprednisolone butyrate acetate. It is indicated for treatment of endogenous anterior uveiti.
Uses
Difluprednate is a topical corticosteroid used for the symptomatic treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery.
For the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery.
Associated Conditions
Pharmacodynamics
Difluprednate is a corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory steroidal drug used primarily in ocular surgery.
Mechanism of Action
Corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins). It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of infammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Absorption
Difluprednate penetrates the corneal epithelium rapidly and effectively. Low systemic absorption.
Route of Elimination
78.5% of radioactivity was excreted aftert 24 hours, and 99.5% by 7 days after a single dose of labeled difluprednate instilled in the right eyes of pigmented rabbits.
Toxicity
Preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies have established that difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% given 4 times a day is not toxic to the eye.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.
Dosage
For the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily for 14 days followed by tapering as clinically indicated.
For blepharitis: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eyes 2 times daily for 1 week & then once daily for 1 week.
For pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eyes 2 times daily.