Flurbiprofen

What Is Flurbiprofen?

Flurbiprofen is a medication in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class. It is available as tablets to be taken by mouth and as eye drops. In some countries, it is also sold as throat lozenges and skin patches.

Approved uses and common prescribed uses

• Tablets: relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In some countries it is also used for menstrual pain and other mild to moderate pain.
• Eye drops: help prevent the pupil from shrinking (intraoperative miosis) during cataract surgery. Eye specialists may also prescribe it for inflammation after eye surgery, as directed.
• Lozenges (some countries): short-term relief of sore throat and throat pain.

Available formulations and strengths

• Oral tablets: commonly 50 mg and 100 mg
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops): 0.03%
• Throat lozenges: commonly 8.75 mg, in some countries
• Skin patches: available in some countries

Availability varies by country and brand. Each strength has its own detailed page.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Flurbiprofen?

Dosing depends on several factors:

• Condition: Arthritis, pain, eye surgery, and sore throat each use different products and schedules.
• Age: Tablets are mainly used in adults. Older adults may need lower doses or closer monitoring. Use in children should only be directed by a specialist.
• Body weight: Weight is generally not used to set the dose in adults.
• Organ function: People with kidney, liver, or heart problems may need lower doses, closer monitoring, or may need to avoid it.

Dosage forms: tablets, eye drops, lozenges, and patches (where available).

Dosing must follow your prescriber’s instructions and the product label. Take tablets with food, milk, or an antacid if they upset your stomach, unless your label says otherwise. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Do not take more than directed. Do not change the dose without speaking with your specialist.

How Flurbiprofen Works

Flurbiprofen blocks enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). This reduces the body’s production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.

• Tablets: Lower pain and swelling in joints and other tissues.
• Eye drops: Help keep the pupil wide during cataract surgery and calm inflammation in the eye.

Flurbiprofen relieves symptoms but does not cure arthritis or repair joint damage. Symptoms may return when treatment stops.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Flurbiprofen Online?

In most countries, flurbiprofen tablets and eye drops are prescription-only. A licensed specialist must evaluate you first:

• a rheumatologist or primary care physician for arthritis or pain
• an ophthalmologist for eye surgery or eye conditions

Throat lozenges are available without a prescription in some countries, for short-term use only.

Safety when buying online

• Buy only from licensed, verified pharmacies that require a valid prescription when one is needed.
• Avoid websites that sell prescription medicines without a prescription.
• Counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored medicines can be unsafe or ineffective. Do not use veterinary products.
• Check the packaging, label, and seal when it arrives. Ask a pharmacist if anything looks unusual.

Side Effects of Flurbiprofen

Common Side Effects

Tablets

• Upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Gas or bloating
• Headache or dizziness
• Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
• Rash or itching

Eye drops

• Brief stinging or burning when the drops are used
• Eye redness or irritation
• Blurred vision for a short time
• Increased tendency for eye bleeding during surgery

Serious Side Effects

These are uncommon but need prompt attention.

• Heart attack or stroke: chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
• Kidney problems: much less urine, swelling, or sudden weight gain
• Liver problems: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe tiredness
• Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; trouble breathing; wheezing
• Severe skin reactions: widespread rash, blistering, or peeling skin
• Eye problems with the drops: corneal thinning, slow healing, eye pain, or sudden vision changes
• High blood pressure or heart failure symptoms, such as fluid retention and shortness of breath

Seek emergency medical care for chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side, swelling of the face or throat, vomiting blood, or black stools. Contact your specialist promptly if side effects are bothersome or do not go away.

Drug Interactions

Flurbiprofen may interact with:

• Other NSAIDs and aspirin (including ibuprofen and naproxen), which may raise the risk of bleeding and stomach problems
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin, and antiplatelet medicines, which may increase the risk of bleeding
• Blood pressure medicines, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta-blockers, which may become less effective
• Diuretics (water pills): may become less effective and raise the risk of kidney problems
• Lithium: NSAIDs may raise lithium levels
• Methotrexate: NSAIDs may raise methotrexate levels
• Steroid medicines (corticosteroids): may raise the risk of stomach bleeding
• SSRI and SNRI antidepressants: may raise the risk of bleeding
• Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: may raise the risk of kidney harm
• Eye drops containing steroids or other NSAIDs: combined use should be guided by your specialist because of the possible risk of slow eye healing
• Other eye drops: wait at least 5 minutes between different eye medicines

OTC medicines, supplements, and herbal products, including aspirin, cold and flu remedies that contain NSAIDs, and herbs that affect bleeding (such as ginkgo, garlic, or fish oil in high amounts), may also interact. Give your licensed specialist and pharmacist a full list of everything you take, including eye drops, creams, vitamins, and supplements.

Safety & Important Considerations

• Boxed warning (tablets): NSAIDs may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can happen early in treatment and may be higher with long use or in people with heart disease. They may also cause serious stomach bleeding, ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestines.
• Heart, blood pressure, and fluid retention: Use caution with heart failure, high blood pressure, or swelling.
• Stomach problems: Tell your specialist if you have a history of ulcers or bleeding. Limit alcohol.
• Liver or kidney disease: Dose adjustment or avoidance may be needed. Your specialist may check blood tests and blood pressure.
• Asthma: Some people with asthma are sensitive to NSAIDs and aspirin.
• Blood disorders and bleeding risk: Tell your specialist if you bruise or bleed easily. The eye drops may increase bleeding during eye surgery.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NSAIDs should generally be avoided from about 20 weeks of pregnancy onward, and are not recommended in the third trimester, because they may harm the baby. Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Discuss risks and benefits with your specialist.
• Children: Use only under the direction of a specialist.
• Older adults: More sensitive to stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and dizziness.
• Contact lenses: Remove lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, unless your label says otherwise.
• Driving and machinery: Flurbiprofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Eye drops may briefly blur vision. Avoid these activities until you know how it affects you.
• Surgery: Tell your surgeon or dentist that you use flurbiprofen, as it may increase bleeding risk.
• Hygiene: Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Who This Medication Is For

• Tablets: Adults with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain types of pain, as directed by their healthcare professional
• Eye drops: People having cataract surgery or eye procedures where pupil size and inflammation need control, as directed by an eye surgeon
• Lozenges (some countries): Adults and older children with a sore throat, following package directions

Who Should Not Take Flurbiprofen

• Anyone allergic to flurbiprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
• People who have had asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
• People who are about to have or have just had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (tablets)
• People with active stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers
• People in the third trimester of pregnancy

Tell your specialist about all medical conditions before starting treatment.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• Take or use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and return to your usual schedule.
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• If you are unsure what to do, contact your licensed specialist or pharmacist.

Related medications to Flurbiprofen

Only a licensed specialist can decide whether a different treatment suits you.

For arthritis or pain

• Other NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib)
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• Topical pain relievers
• Disease-modifying medicines for rheumatoid arthritis
• Physical therapy and other non-drug approaches

For eye surgery or eye inflammation

• Other NSAID eye drops (for example, ketorolac, bromfenac, nepafenac)
• Steroid eye drops, as directed by an eye specialist

Do not stop or switch treatments on your own. Changes should be made only after consultation with your specialist.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, typically 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C), unless your label says otherwise.
• Keep containers tightly closed and protect from moisture, heat, and direct light.
• Do not freeze eye drops.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children. Accidental swallowing can be dangerous for young children. Seek emergency help if this happens.
• Do not use past the expiration date. Eye drop bottles should be discarded within a set time after opening (often about 4 weeks). Follow your label and pharmacist’s guidance.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must consult a licensed ophthalmologist (for eye conditions), rheumatologist (for arthritis), or another relevant medical specialist before starting, changing, or stopping treatment. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist.