Durezol Eye Drops (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion) contain a corticosteroid and are usually prescribed following eye surgery, though they may be used in certain other conditions as well. Like other corticosteroids the eye drops inhibit inflammation, which also reduces pain, itching, and other related symptoms associated with inflammation.

Durezol can be used in all ages, but a doctor should determine dosage and administration frequency in children.

Like all corticosteroids Durezol can cause serious side effects, though administration directly to the eye makes most of them very unlikely to occur. The vast majority of side effects, if experienced at all, happen around the eye.

Treatment with Durezol rarely exceeds two or three weeks. Do not exceed two or three consecutive weeks of treatment without explicit doctor approval.

Treatment Basics

In the majority of cases Durezol is given following eye surgery to alleviate inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. Standard treatment for adults is:

• Treatment typically begins about 24 hours after surgery.
• Apply 1 drop to each affected eye 4 times per day.
• Continue this treatment for two weeks.
• Some patients will be advised to administer 1 drop to each affected eye 2 times per day for an additional week, for a total of 3 weeks treatment.
• Longer treatment is rare and should be undertaken only with doctor advisement.

Standard treatment for other eye conditions in adults is:

• Apply 1 drop to each affected eye 2 to 4 times per day.
• Continue this treatment for two weeks.

Of course doctor instructions may vary according to numerous personal variables, not the least of which are patient response to treatment and the exact condition being treated. In the interest of rapid, trouble-free healing, in all cases doctor instructions should be followed.

Administering the drops with some care is also beneficial:

• Wash hands before handling eyes or the medication vial.
• Remove contact lenses, if worn.
• Tilt the head back.
• Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye a bit, creating a small space.
• Administer the drop into the space.
• Close eyes and apply gently pressure to the inner corner of the eye, nearest the nose.
• Wait one or two minutes for the medication to absorb.
• Wait ten minutes before putting contacts back in.
• Close the medication container and put away.

To keep microbes out of the eye drop container the applicator should not come into contact with any other surface, including the hands, eyelids, and eyeballs. If contact does accidentally happen, for best results the vial should be replaced with a new one. However, some patients rinse the tip off with running water and continue to use it.

Side Effects

In most respects side effects from Durezol are similar to using any eye drop; a few minutes of blurry vision, slight discomfort, feeling like something is in the eye, and so forth. These should all dissipate within a few moments and are not cause for concern. The majority of patients will not have more serious side effects.

Some individuals do experience more severe side effects, however, even when used exactly as directed with very careful administration. Warning signs that warrant medical attention include:

• New or worsening pain in the eye
• Unusual discharge from the eye
• Redness in or around the eye
• Swelling in or around the eye
• Discomfort or pain in the eye when exposed to bright light

The above can be caused by an infection in the eye, which is more likely to occur when using Durezol as it is a corticosteroid that inhibits the immune system. Rapid attention by a doctor should quickly resolve the issue.

Rarely some patients are allergic to Durezol. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and similar alarming symptoms. An allergic reaction often calls for emergency medical attention.

Again most patients will not have serious side effects, particularly if Durezol is taken as directed. Do not use more of the medication or use it for longer than two or three weeks without explicit doctor approval and involvement.