Pranoprofen Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Pranoprofen is an anti-inflammatory eye drop, specifically a topical NSAID, used to treat inflammation in the eye after surgery or due to allergies.

Drug class	NSAID (Topical)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.1%
Common Indian brands	Pranoflog (abroad), limited in India
Prescription status	Prescription

What Pranoprofen is used for

Pranoprofen eye drops are prescribed to help reduce inflammation in your eyes. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or irritation, but when it happens in the eye, it can cause discomfort, redness, and swelling. This medicine is primarily used for:

Post-operative ocular inflammation: This refers to inflammation that can occur in the eye after certain types of eye surgery.
Allergic ocular inflammation: This is inflammation in the eye caused by an allergic reaction, often leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and watering.

By reducing this inflammation, Pranoprofen helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healing and comfort in your eyes.

How it works

Pranoprofen belongs to a category of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). When applied as an eye drop, it works locally in your eye to block the production of certain natural substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in your body that play a key role in causing inflammation, pain, and swelling.

By blocking these prostaglandins, Pranoprofen effectively reduces the inflammatory response in your eye, thereby helping to relieve symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with post-operative or allergic eye inflammation. Because it is applied directly to the eye, it acts where it is needed most.

How it’s used

Pranoprofen eye drops are typically used by instilling one drop into the affected eye(s) three to four times a day. It is crucial to follow your ophthalmologist’s specific instructions regarding the exact dosage and duration of treatment, as this may vary based on your condition and response to the medicine.

Here are general steps on how to correctly instil eye drops:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper tip directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface with the tip. This helps prevent contamination.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without blinking or squeezing, to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.

Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than directed, and do not stop using it without consulting your ophthalmologist, even if your symptoms improve.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Pranoflog (abroad)
limited in India

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. Not currently approved or routinely available in India — included for reference; ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives.

Precautions & side effects

Pranoprofen is a prescription eye medicine and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified ophthalmologist. It is widely used in East Asia for eye conditions, but its availability in India is currently limited. It is important to note the following:

Prescription Only: This medicine requires a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
Limited Availability in India: While effective, Pranoprofen is not routinely approved or widely available in India. Your ophthalmologist may discuss approved and readily available alternatives with you.
General Warning: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
Hygiene: Always wash your hands before and after using eye drops to prevent contamination. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.
Storage: Store the eye drops as directed by the manufacturer or your pharmacist, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Disposal: Discard the bottle after the prescribed duration, even if some medicine remains, or if the expiry date has passed.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while using Pranoprofen, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Understanding Eye Inflammation

Eye inflammation is a common condition where the eye’s tissues become irritated and swollen. This can be triggered by various factors, including infections, allergies, injuries, or even as a natural response to surgery. When inflammation occurs, your eyes might feel red, itchy, watery, sensitive to light, or even painful. While mild inflammation can sometimes resolve on its own, persistent or severe inflammation requires medical attention to prevent discomfort and potential complications. Medicines like Pranoprofen are designed to specifically target and reduce this inflammation, helping your eyes heal and feel more comfortable. It’s important to understand that inflammation is a symptom, and your doctor will also work to identify and address the underlying cause.

Correct Eye Drop Application and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Before opening the bottle, check the expiry date and ensure the dropper tip is clean. When applying the drop, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and look upwards. Hold the dropper directly over your eye without touching it to your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes. This is very important to prevent germs from entering the bottle and causing an eye infection. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, allowing the medicine to spread and absorb. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to apply more than one drop, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applications. This ensures that each drop has enough time to be absorbed and isn’t washed away by the next one. Always replace the cap tightly immediately after use to keep the medicine sterile.

Storage, When to Seek Help, and General Advice

Proper storage of your eye drops is essential to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Always store your eye drops according to the instructions on the packaging or as advised by your pharmacist, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Once opened, eye drops have a limited shelf life, usually about 4 weeks, even if there is medicine left in the bottle. Always check the instructions or ask your pharmacist for the specific discard date after opening. It is vital to never use expired or contaminated eye drops. If you notice any change in the colour, clarity, or consistency of the drops, or if the bottle appears damaged, discard it and use a new one. If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using the eye drops, or if they worsen, or if you experience new symptoms like severe pain, vision changes, or increased redness, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Do not hesitate to seek professional medical advice for any concerns regarding your eye health. Remember, this medicine is for prescription use only, and self-medication can be harmful. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pranoprofen used for?

Pranoprofen eye drops are used to treat inflammation in the eye that occurs after surgery (post-operative ocular inflammation) or due to allergic reactions (allergic ocular inflammation).

How does Pranoprofen work?

Pranoprofen is a topical NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the eye, which are chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.

What are the common brands of Pranoprofen available in India?

While Pranoprofen is known by the brand name Pranoflog abroad and is widely used in East Asia, its availability in India is currently limited. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives that are available in India.

How should I use Pranoprofen eye drops?

Typically, you should instil one drop of Pranoprofen into the affected eye(s) three to four times a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions for dosage and duration of treatment.

Do I need a prescription for Pranoprofen?

Yes, Pranoprofen is a prescription eye medicine and must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What are the key precautions I should take while using Pranoprofen?

Pranoprofen is a prescription medicine and its availability in India is limited. Always use it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after use, and do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. This information is for general education and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References

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.