Cortiflu is indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery. It is also indicated for the treatment of uveitis, pseudophakic cystoid macular edema(CME), ocular surface diseases, e.g. blepharitis & corneal inflammation.
Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and may delay or slow healing. They inhibit edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation. There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. Difluprednate is structurally similar to other corticosteroids.
For the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the post-operative period, followed by 2 times daily for a week and then a taper based on the response. For the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily for 14 days followed by tapering as clinically indicated. For blepharitis: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eyes 2 times daily for 1 week & then once daily for 1 week. For pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eyes 2 times daily.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Adverse reactions associated with ophthalmic steroids include elevated intraocular pressure, which may be associated with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects; posterior subcapsular cataract formation; secondary ocular infection from pathogens including herpes simplex, and perforation of the globe where there is thinning of the cornea or sclera. Ocular adverse reactions occurring with Cortiflu included corneal edema, ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia, eye pain, photophobia, posterior capsule opacification, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, conjunctival edema, and blepharitis for patient with ocular surgery.
Difluprednate is contraindicated in most active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures.
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Cortiflu 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma & posterior subcapsular cataract formation. If Cortiflu is used for 10 days or longer, IOP should be monitored. Use of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution. Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local steroid application. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate Cortiflu.