Acute effect of flurbiprofen (Ivyflur) on tear production

Abstract

Background: Many ocular and systemic conditions detected by eye care givers can be treated by the use of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDs), as well as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usually prescribed in most eye clinic recently for the treatment of some eye diseases. The effect of Flurbiprofen on the tear production of 104 healthy participants was studied using their right eyes. Methods: The participants with the mean age of 23.36 ± 4.28 years, consisted of 53 male participants and 51 female participants were selected after a thorough case history, external examination and ophthalmoscopy was done to rule out pathology. Schirmer’s test was done in all participants before instilling Flurbiprofen drops, the test was repeated at an interval of 30 minutes, for a period of one and half hours. Results: The mean tear production reduced from baseline tear production 20.22mm to 15.63mm in the first 30 minutes, 13.95mm in 60 minutes and 14.90mm in 90 minutes. This amounts to a reduction of 4.59 (22.70%), 6.27 (31.01%), 5.32 (26.31%) at 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively. These reductions were found to be statistically significant (P > 0.05) showing that Flurbiprofen significantly inhibits tear production. Conclusion: Flurbiprofen should therefore be used with caution in individuals that have or are predisposed to dry eye syndrome