Nepafenac is an anti-inflammatory eye drop medicine, specifically a topical NSAID, used to prevent and treat pain and inflammation after cataract surgery, and to prevent macular oedema, especially in diabetic patients.
| Drug class | NSAID (Topical) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop (suspension) |
| Common strength | 0.1% / 0.3% |
| Common Indian brands | Nevanac, Nepaflam, Nepastar |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Nepafenac is used for
Nepafenac eye drops are prescribed by your ophthalmologist to help your eyes recover after certain procedures and to manage specific conditions. It is primarily used for:
- Preventing and treating pain and inflammation after cataract surgery: After cataract surgery, it’s common to experience some discomfort and swelling. Nepafenac helps to reduce these symptoms, making your recovery more comfortable.
- Preventing macular oedema, especially in diabetic patients: Macular oedema is a condition where fluid builds up in the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This can sometimes occur after eye surgery, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Nepafenac is strongly evidence-backed for preventing this swelling in diabetic eyes after cataract surgery.
By addressing these issues, Nepafenac helps to ensure a smoother recovery and protect your vision.
How it works
Nepafenac belongs to a class of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). What makes Nepafenac special is that it is a ‘pro-drug’. This means that when you put the eye drop in, the medicine itself isn’t fully active yet. Once it enters your eye, it gets converted into its active form. This active form then works to reduce inflammation and pain. A key benefit of Nepafenac is its ability to penetrate well to the back of the eye, which is important for treating conditions like macular oedema.
How it’s used
Nepafenac eye drops are a suspension, which means the medicine particles are suspended in a liquid. Therefore, it is very important to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed and you get the correct dose. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s specific instructions for dosing.
Generally, the dosing for Nepafenac depends on its strength:
- For 0.1% strength: Typically, one drop is instilled into the affected eye three times a day.
- For 0.3% strength: Typically, one drop is instilled into the affected eye once a day.
Your doctor will determine the appropriate strength and frequency for your condition. It is crucial to adhere strictly to their instructions and not to alter the dose or stop the medicine without consulting them.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Nevanac
- Nepaflam
- Nepastar
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Precautions & side effects
When using Nepafenac eye drops, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Shake Well: As Nepafenac is a suspension, always shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly distributed.
- Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
- Diabetic Patients: Nepafenac is strongly evidence-backed for preventing post-cataract macular swelling in diabetic eyes. If you are diabetic and undergoing cataract surgery, your doctor may specifically recommend this medicine.
- General Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying eye drops. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
- Storage: Store the medicine as advised by your pharmacist or doctor, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, or if your condition worsens, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Understanding Eye Inflammation and Macular Oedema
Our eyes are delicate organs, and like any other part of the body, they can experience inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. While it’s a protective mechanism, excessive or prolonged inflammation in the eye can cause discomfort, pain, redness, and even affect vision. After eye surgeries like cataract removal, some degree of inflammation is expected as part of the healing process. Medicines like Nepafenac are crucial in managing this inflammation, helping to reduce pain and promote a smoother recovery.
Macular oedema is a more specific condition that can sometimes arise, particularly after eye surgery or in individuals with certain underlying health conditions like diabetes. The macula is a small but vital part of your retina, located at the back of your eye. It’s responsible for your central vision, allowing you to see fine details, read, and recognise faces. When fluid builds up in the macula, it causes swelling, which can blur or distort your central vision. For diabetic patients, the risk of developing macular oedema after cataract surgery can be higher. Nepafenac plays a significant role in preventing this fluid buildup and preserving your precious central vision.
Correctly Using Eye Drops: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using eye drops correctly is essential to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a simple guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. This prevents germs from entering your eye.
- Prepare the Bottle: If your eye drop is a suspension (like Nepafenac), remember to shake the bottle well before each use.
- Tilt Your Head Back: Gently tilt your head backwards or lie down.
- Create a Pouch: With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the medicine. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pouch you created.
- Close Your Eye: Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eye shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out.
- Apply Pressure (Optional but Recommended): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This helps to prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and ensures it stays in your eye longer.
- Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.
If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, especially when using eye medicines. Always store your eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, typically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections. Always check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any expired medicine.
While Nepafenac is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of your body’s response. If you experience any new or worsening eye pain, redness, blurred vision, discharge, or any other unusual symptoms after starting the drops, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of an infection, an allergic reaction, or another issue that requires prompt medical attention. Remember, this medicine is part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed by your doctor. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are vital to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes are healing well. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or the hospital staff if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nepafenac used for?
Nepafenac is an eye drop medicine used to prevent and treat pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. It is also used to prevent macular oedema, especially in diabetic patients, after eye surgery.
How does Nepafenac work?
Nepafenac is a pro-drug NSAID. This means it gets converted into its active form inside your eye, where it then works to reduce inflammation and pain. It penetrates well to the back of the eye.
What are the common Indian brands of Nepafenac?
In India, Nepafenac is commonly available under brand names such as Nevanac, Nepaflam, and Nepastar.
How should I use Nepafenac eye drops?
Always shake the bottle well before each use. For the 0.1% strength, typically one drop is used three times a day. For the 0.3% strength, typically one drop is used once a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions.
Do I need a prescription for Nepafenac?
Yes, Nepafenac is a prescription eye medicine. You should only use it as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
What are the key precautions I should take while using Nepafenac?
Always shake the bottle well before use. Use only as directed by your ophthalmologist. It is strongly evidence-backed for preventing post-cataract macular swelling in diabetic eyes. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
References
- Topical nepafenac for prevention of post-cataract surgery macular edema in diabetic patients – PMC
- Nepafenac Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- Nepafenac enhances steroid treatment of macular swelling – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.