Nepafenac

Nepafenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a prodrug of Amfenac, used in the form of eye drops to relieve pain and inflammation caused by cataract surgery. It is marketed under the trade name Nevanac (0.1%) and Ilevro (0.3%) by Alcon.

Pharmacology

Nepafenac is a prodrug that penetrates the cornea and is then converted into the active metabolite, amfenac, by intraocular tissues. Amfenac is a potent inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation and pain.

Medical uses

Nepafenac is used for the reduction of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. It is also used off-label for the treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, as well as for the prevention of macular edema following cataract surgery in diabetic patients.

Side effects

The most common side effects of nepafenac are decreased visual acuity, punctate keratitis, corneal edema, and eye inflammation. Rare but serious side effects include corneal melts, corneal perforation, and retinal vascular occlusion.

History

Nepafenac was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.

See also

• List of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Cataract surgery
• Macular edema