Difluprednate in ophthalmic practice

Abstract

The present note deals with the use of drug difluprednate in ophthalmic practice. In last few years, prednisolone acetate and betamethasone are strong steroids in use. Currently, the most widely prescribed strong topical corticosteroids in the US is prednisolone acetate 1%. While it controls inflammation effectively, it has not been shown to consistently address postoperative pain and discomfort in a large clinical trial.3 Chances of side effects like ocular hypertension and cataract formation are higher with these steroids. In june 2008 difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery. This was the first ophthalmic steroid approved by the FDA since 1973 as it is high in potency and has good safety profile as well as the ability to reduce postoperative pain.