Difluprednate, the active compound in Durezol, is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. This is how it works:
- Reduces Inflammation: Difluprednate works by blocking chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. It blocks the creation of some chemicals (prostaglandins) that cause swelling and redness.
- Regulates the Immune Response: The medication suppresses the activity of the immune system by attacking the immune cells that create eye inflammation. This lowers the inflammatory process in the body.
- Prevents Long-Term Damage: By regulating the inflammation, Durezol prevents damage to the eye in the long term. This is particularly important following surgery or inflammatory diseases like uveitis, which, without control, would lead to blindness or other problems.
Effective in treating acute and chronic inflammation of the eye, Durezol also causes marked relief in symptoms and signs of pain, redness, and swelling.
Though Durezol is well tolerated, there are some individuals who can suffer from side effects. These could be:
Common Side Effects:
- Eye irritation or discomfort following application of the drops.
- Blurred vision for a short while after use, which will vanish in a short span of time.
- Dryness or redness of the eyes.
Severe Side Effects:
- Increase in eye pressure: Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops like Durezol raises the pressure of the eyes, causing glaucoma or eye problems.
- Formation of cataracts: Recurrent use of corticosteroids can form cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye and impair vision.
- Eye infection: An eye infection can be acquired due to the use of steroid eye drops, especially when the eye is already compromised.
- Delayed wound healing: Healing of the tissues may be delayed when steroids are used for a long duration, especially in patients who have had eye surgery recently.
- If any of the following serious side effects are noted, seek immediate medical assistance:
- Pain or alteration in vision.
- Redness or swelling in the eye that persists.
- Discharge from the eye or abnormal sensitivity to light.
Prior to using Durezol eye drops, observe the following precautions and warnings:
- Eye Disorders: If there is a history of glaucoma, cataracts, or any eye infection, seek your physician’s advice before using Durezol. Steroid therapy may worsen these disorders.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not yet been sufficiently established for the administration of Durezol. Inform your physician when you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Extended Use: Ongoing use of Durezol in the long run will cause problems in your eyes, with increased likelihood of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Your doctor will be monitoring your eye pressure and eye condition during treatment.
- Risk of Infection: Steroids like Durezol can mask signs of eye infection, so beware of any potential discharge, pain, or inflammation in the eyes. If it gets worse, consult a doctor.
- Watch Eye Pressure: With long-term use, frequent eye examination for increased intraocular pressure is required, which might help in triggering glaucoma.
Durezol should be used precisely as instructed by your doctor. The standard dose is:
- Initiation dose: Usually 1 to 2 drops in the treated eye 2 to 4 times a day.
- Following surgery: The dosage may be increased within hours after surgery, usually 1 drop every 4-6 hours for 24-48 hours, followed by tapering.
- Do not overdose to avoid possible side effects like elevated eye pressure. Follow your doctor’s prescription on dosage and duration of treatment.