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Nepafenac Ophthalmic

Prescription
Ophthalmic NSAID (Prodrug)
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Prodrug that penetrates the cornea intact and is converted to active amfenac by intraocular hydrolases. Amfenac inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 within the eye. Prodrug design provides better corneal penetration and less surface toxicity than other ophthalmic NSAIDs.

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic NSAID (Prodrug)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; shake before use

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for post-surgical inflammation (cataract surgery), anterior uveitis adjunct
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q8–24h depending on formulation
🐈

Cat

Same indications
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q8–24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature; shake before use

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Corneal integrity (fluorescein before prescribing)Inflammation responseIOP

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Nevanac
Novartis/Alcon
Ilevro (0.3%)
Novartis/Alcon

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Nepafenac Ophthalmic?
Nepafenac Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic nsaid (prodrug) used in pets. Prodrug that penetrates the cornea intact and is converted to active amfenac by intraocular hydrolases. Amfenac inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 within the eye. Prodrug design provides better corneal penetration and less surface toxicity than other ophthalmic NSAIDs.
What is Nepafenac Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Nepafenac Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for post-surgical inflammation (cataract surgery), anterior uveitis adjunct; Same indications.
What is the Nepafenac Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Nepafenac Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for post-surgical inflammation (cataract surgery), anterior uveitis adjunct: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q8–24h depending on formulation. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Nepafenac Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Nepafenac Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Same indications: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q8–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Nepafenac Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Nepafenac Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

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Topical non-selective COX inhibitor that reduces prostaglandin synthesis in ocular tissues. Prevents intraoperative miosis and treats post-surgical inflammation and pain. Does not raise IOP like corticosteroids.
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Flurbiprofen (Ophthalmic)
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Topical ophthalmic NSAID that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis in ocular tissues. Used to reduce intraoperative miosis and treat ocular inflammation.
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