Diclofenac Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 29, 2024.

Applies to diclofenac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, diclofenac ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diclofenac ophthalmic:

More common

• eye redness, irritation, or pain
• tearing of the eyes

Less common

• blindness
• blurred vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• clear or yellow fluid from the eye
• decreased vision or any change in vision
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• sensitivity to light
• sticky or matted eyelashes
• throbbing pain

Incidence not known

• feeling of something in the eye

Other side effects

Some side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• burning and stinging of the eye

Less common

• abdominal or stomach pain
• chills
• cold flu-like symptoms
• cough or hoarseness
• dizziness
• fever
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• nausea
• pain
• runny nose
• sleeplessness
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• swelling or puffiness of the face
• trouble with sleeping
• unable to sleep
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diclofenac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were lacrimation, keratitis, and transient burning/stinging.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Lacrimation (30%), keratitis (28%), transient burning/stinging (15%), elevated intraocular pressure (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal vision, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, corneal deposits, corneal edema, corneal opacity, corneal lesions, eye discharge, eyelid swelling, eye pain, injection (redness), iritis, irritation, itching, ocular allergy
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctival follicules
• Frequency not reported: Mydriasis, ocular hyperemia
• Postmarketing reports: Corneal erosion, corneal infiltrates, corneal perforation, corneal thinning, corneal ulceration, epithelial breakdown^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, headache^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, rash, eczema, erythema, pruritus^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Viral infection^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Impaired healing
• Frequency not reported: Asthenia, chills, facial edema, fever, pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Insomnia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Dyspnea, exacerbation of asthma
• Frequency not reported: Rhinitis, cough^[Ref]

Further information

Diclofenac ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer