Flurbiprofen
2-(2-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)propionic acid
Also known as: Ocufen · Flurbiprofeno · Flurbiprofenum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention of intraocular surgical miosis | 1 drop in the affected eye(s) | Topical | Every 30 minutes for 4 doses prior to surgery | Pre-operative | 🌍 EU |
| Ocular inflammation (uveitis) | 1 drop in the affected eye(s) | Topical | q6h to q12h | As directed by veterinarian | 🌍 EU |
- Prevention of intraocular surgical miosis: Standard pre-surgical protocol
- Ocular inflammation (uveitis): Monitor for corneal ulceration
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention of intraocular surgical miosis | 1 drop in the affected eye(s) | Topical | Every 30 minutes for 4 doses prior to surgery | Pre-operative | 🌍 EU |
| Ocular inflammation (uveitis) | 1 drop in the affected eye(s) | Topical | q6h to q12h | As directed by veterinarian | 🌍 EU |
- Prevention of intraocular surgical miosis: Standard pre-surgical protocol
- Ocular inflammation (uveitis): Monitor for corneal ulceration
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Flurbiprofen is a topical ophthalmic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is primarily used to prevent intraoperative miosis during intraocular surgery (such as cataract surgery) and to manage ocular inflammation.
Clinical Pearl: While highly effective at controlling anterior uveitis and preventing surgically induced miosis, topical NSAIDs like flurbiprofen can delay corneal epithelial healing and should be used with extreme caution in patients with existing corneal ulceration.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. → Reduces ocular inflammation and provides analgesic action. → Prevents prostaglandin-mediated miosis (constriction of the iris sphincter) during intraocular surgery, acting independently of cholinergic mechanisms.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs
- Active corneal ulceration (relative contraindication)
- Bleeding disorders
- Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
- Active intraocular bleeding
- Corneal ulceration (use with extreme caution)
- Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis
Adverse effects
- Transient ocular stinging or burning upon application
- Delayed corneal healing
- Increased risk of ocular bleeding during surgery
- Corneal melting (rare but severe)
- Transient stinging or burning upon instillation
- Ocular irritation
- Increased bleeding tendency of ocular tissues (rare)
Precautions
Warning: May delay corneal epithelial healing. Use with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing corneal ulcers or epithelial defects. Monitor closely for signs of corneal melting or worsening ulceration.
Clinical Pearl: Patients with a known bleeding tendency or those receiving systemic medications that prolong bleeding time should be monitored closely, as topical NSAIDs may increase bleeding of ocular tissues during surgery.
Drug interactions
Concurrent use may increase the risk of delayed corneal healing and severe complications such as corneal melting.
NSAIDs may blunt the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of topical prostaglandins.
NSAIDs may decrease the intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogues.
Monitoring
- Resolution of ocular inflammation (flare and cells in the anterior chamber)
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Maintenance of pupillary dilation during surgery
- Corneal integrity (via fluorescein staining) if used long-term
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Absorbed systemically through the nasolacrimal duct and conjunctival vessels, but systemic levels remain very low.
Distribution
Penetrates the cornea well to reach therapeutic concentrations in the aqueous humor.
Metabolism
Hepatic (for the small fraction that is systemically absorbed).
Elimination
Renal (for systemically absorbed drug).
Overdose
Topical overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity due to the small volume administered. Ocular overdosage may lead to increased local irritation, hyperemia, and delayed corneal healing. If significant overexposure occurs, flush the eye with sterile saline.
Available products
Formulations
- Ophthalmic: 0.03% solution in single-use vials
Human-labeled
- Ocufen 0.03% eye drops (single-use vials)
- Ocufen 0.03% ophthalmic solution (single-use vials)
Regulatory status
Used off-label in veterinary ophthalmology.
POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (15-25°C). Protect from light. Single-use vials do not contain preservatives and should be discarded immediately after use.
Client information
Administer eye drops exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination. If you are applying more than one type of eye medication, wait at least 5 minutes between applications. Contact your veterinarian immediately if the eye becomes more red, painful, cloudy, or if your pet starts squinting or rubbing the eye.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.