Voltarol ophtha

How does it work?

Voltarol ophtha eye drops contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve inflammation and pain.

Diclofenac works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Diclofenac blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.

Diclofenac eye drops act locally in the eye. They are used to relieve pain and swelling of the eye that may follow various types of eye surgery or eye injury. In addition, diclofenac drops can be used prior to cataract surgery to prevent the pupil constricting during the surgery, though it is not fully understood how diclofenac works in this case.

The eye drops are also used to reduce the symptoms of conjunctivitis (red, swollen and itchy eyes) caused by seasonal allergies, eg hayfever due to pollen allergy.

What is it used for?

Relieving inflammation and discomfort of the eye following eye surgery or injury

Preventing constriction of the pupil prior to cataract surgery

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Warning!

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have put the drops into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

Voltarol ophtha single dose units are for single use only and should be discarded immediately after use. Do not save the unused contents, as they do not contain a preservative and so will not keep. Voltarol ophtha multidose bottles contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride. This allows the eye drops to remain sterile for four weeks after opening; after this time they should be disposed of carefully as they may be contaminated. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the bottle.

Voltarol ophtha multidose bottles of eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear soft contact lenses you should remove them before putting in the drops. Do not put your lenses back in earlier than 15 minutes after using the drops. This does not apply to Voltarol ophtha single dose units, which do not contain a preservative.

Use with caution in

Eye infections

Blood clotting disorders

People taking medicine to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants, eg warfarin)

Not to be used in

People in whom aspirin or other medicines in this class (NSAIDs), cause attacks of asthma, itchy rash (urticaria) or nasal inflammation (rhinitis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of these eye drops during pregnancy has not been established. They are not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Discuss with your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Burning sensation in the eye

Blurred vision after application

Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

Inflammation of small areas on the surface of the eye (keratitis punctata)

Disruption of the clear front covering of the pupil (corneal epithelial discontinuity)

Hypersensitivity reactions with itching or reddening of the eye

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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