Bromfenac

Products

Bromfenac is commercially available in the form of eye drops (Yellox). It was approved in the United States in 2005 and in the EU in 2011. It was registered in many countries in 2013.

Structure and properties

Bromfenac (C15H12BrNO3, Mr = 334.2 g/mol) is a benzophenone derivative. It is present in solution in drugs as sodium salt and sesquihydrate (1.5 H2O). a yellow to orange crystalline powder. Bromfenac has the same structure as amfenac, the active metabolite of nepafenac (Nevanac), except for the bromine atom. Bromination of amfenac increases lipophilicity, improving absorption and binding to enzymes.

Effects

Bromfenac (ATC S01BC11) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The effects are due to selective inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Indications

For the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation following cataract extraction in adults (cataract surgery).

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drops are placed in the eyes twice daily for a maximum of two weeks after surgery. See also under Administering eye drops.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity, including to other NSAIDs

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

No interactions with other drugs are known to date.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include abnormal sensation in the eye, corneal erosion, eye itching, eye pain, and eye redness. The side effects are due in part to the preservative benzalkonium chloride.