Uniclofen

The medicine Uniclofen, which is used in ophthalmic practice, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on diclofenac. It has the code ATC S01B C03.

Indications Uniclofen

The eye drug Uniclofen is used:

• to suppress the development of operative miosis during surgical intervention in patients with cataracts;
• to eliminate the postoperative inflammatory reaction that may develop after cataract surgery or for another reason;
• to relieve pain and discomfort in eye problems associated with damage to the epithelial layer of the cornea (for example, after mechanical damage or PRK);
• to alleviate the inflammatory reaction after the argon laser trabeculoplasty procedure;
• to alleviate the condition of conjunctivitis of allergic origin;
• to eliminate inflammation and discomfort after surgery associated with the correction of strabismus;
• to relieve pain and eliminate discomfort after radial keratotomy surgery.

Release form

The medicine is available as a solution for eye drops.
The active ingredient of the medicine is sodium diclofenac. Among the auxiliary components there are boric acid, sodium tetraborate, propylene glycol, hydroxypropyl betadex, disodium edetate, benzalkonium chloride.
Ophthalmic solution Uniclofen is a transparent liquid, which can sometimes have a slightly yellowish tint, without turbidity and impurities.
The drug is dispensed in a special plastic dropper with a capacity of 5 ml. The packaging is a cardboard box with an annotation insert inside.

Pharmacodynamics

Uniclofen works due to the presence of diclofenac - a non-steroidal substance with a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic ability. The action of the solution is based on the suppression of the biological synthesis of prostaglandins, which are of great importance in the development of an inflammatory reaction accompanied by pain.

Among the additional properties of Uniclofen are:

• preventing pupil constriction during surgery;
• suppression of the inflammatory reaction in the postoperative period;
• relief of pain and discomfort from injuries or ophthalmological procedures;
• prevention of swelling after surgery;
• reduction of photophobia, burning, tingling, and the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.

Hydroxypropyl betadex is an auxiliary component that improves the dissolution of the drug in an aqueous base and makes the drug more accessible to biological environments and tissues.

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Pharmacokinetics

The active ingredient rapidly penetrates into the anterior chamber of the eye. The amount of substance in the systemic circulation is not detectable.

Dosing and administration

The medicine Uniclofen is used for instillation behind the lower eyelid. The drug is never administered subconjunctivally or directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.

The dosage of Uniclofen may be as follows:

• to prevent surgical miosis - one drop every 30 minutes 2 hours before surgery;
• to control the inflammatory reaction after surgery - one drop four times a day, 14-28 days;
• to monitor the condition after PRK - one drop every half hour before surgery, one drop twice over 5 minutes immediately after PRK, one drop every 3-4 hours while awake throughout the day;
• to monitor the condition in case of damage to the corneal epithelium - one drop 4 times a day for 2 days;
• to control inflammation after ALT - one drop every half hour 2 hours before ALT, then one drop 4 times a day for a week;
• to relieve the condition of allergic conjunctivitis - one drop 4 times a day;
• to alleviate the condition after surgery for strabismus - one drop 4 times a day (1st week), three times a day (2nd week), twice a day (3rd week);
• to relieve the condition after radial keratotomy - one drop before surgery, one drop after surgery, one drop 4 times a day for two days after surgery.

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Use Uniclofen during pregnancy

No studies have been conducted on the use of Uniclofen by pregnant patients.
Animal studies have shown undesirable toxicity of the drug, which is especially evident in the third trimester. In this regard, one can assume the presence of a risk of early closure of the ductus arteriosus and possible inhibition of contractions during labor.
In the first half of pregnancy, Uniclofen can only be prescribed for vital indications.
The active ingredient is found in breast milk, but the negative effect of the drug on the child has not been proven. However, it is advisable to avoid using Uniclofen solution during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Uniclofen is not prescribed:

• if there is a high probability of developing an allergic reaction;
• for bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and dermatitis associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• during surgery in the form of intraocular administration.

Side effects Uniclofen

The most common side effect when using Uniclofen is temporary irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.

In addition, other manifestations are possible:

• itching sensation, redness of the eyelids, transient blurred vision;
• pain in the eye;
• keratitis and corneal epithelial damage;
• allergic reactions;
• difficulty breathing and exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

Overdose

Overdose of Uniclofen is considered virtually impossible, even if the contents of the bottle are accidentally swallowed.

Interactions with other drugs

Any other eye drops are recommended to be administered at intervals of at least 5 minutes.

When taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs internally, caution should be exercised in dosage to avoid complications of the inflammatory reaction.

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Storage conditions

Uniclofen drops are stored under normal conditions.

Shelf life

The shelf life of an opened bottle is no more than 28 days, sealed up to 2 years.