Difluprednate

Class: Corticosteroids
Chemical Name: 6α,9-difluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-acetate 17-butyrate
Molecular Formula: C₂₇H₃₄F₂O₇
CAS Number: 23674-86-4
Brands: Durezol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 22, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Difluorinated corticosteroid.

Uses for Difluprednate

Postoperative Ocular Inflammation and Pain

Treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery.

Difluprednate Dosage and Administration

Administration

Ophthalmic Administration

Apply topically to the eye as an ophthalmic emulsion.

Not for intraocular administration.

Avoid contamination of the preparation container.

Do not wear contact lenses during therapy.

If used with other topical ophthalmic drugs (e.g., β-adrenergic blocking agents, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α-agonists, cycloplegics, mydriatics) separate administration by 10 minutes.

Dosage

Adults

Postoperative Ocular Inflammation and Pain

Ophthalmic

Initially, 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing for 2 weeks. Then decrease to 1 drop twice daily for 1 week. Thereafter, taper based on response.

Special Populations

No special population dosage recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Difluprednate

Contraindications

• Active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva (e.g., epithelial herpes simplex keratitis [dendritic keratitis], vaccinia, varicella).

• Mycobacterial infection of the eye.

• Fungal disease of ocular structures.

• Known hypersensitivity to difluprednate, other corticosteroids, or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Ocular Effects

Risk of glaucoma (with damage to optic nerve), defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation with prolonged use of corticosteroids. Use with caution in glaucoma because IOP may increase.

If used for ≥10 days, monitor IOP routinely, even though monitoring may be difficult in uncooperative patients.

In conditions causing thinning of the cornea and sclera, perforations reported with use of topical corticosteroids.

Use of high-dose corticosteroids may delay healing. Use after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase incidence of bleb formation.

Immunosuppressive Effects

Risk of secondary ocular infections (bacte...