Ilevro Ophthalmic Suspension (Nepafenac 0.3%): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe eye pain that does not improve
- Sudden vision loss or severe blurring
- Signs of eye infection (redness, swelling, discharge)
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of face or throat)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Corneal opacity or white spots on the eye
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is ilevro opthalmic suspension used for?
This medicine is an ophthalmic NSAID used to treat pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. It works by blocking prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and swelling. It is applied as one drop in the affected eye once daily, starting before surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after.
- Generic Name: Nepafenac (0.3% w/v)
- Manufacturer: Novartis India Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 ilevro opthalmic suspension के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा नेपाफेनैक 0.3% ऑप्थल्मिक सस्पेंशन है, जिसका उपयोग मोतियाबिंद सर्जरी के बाद आंखों में दर्द और सूजन को कम करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह एक नॉनस्टेरॉइडल एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी ड्रग (NSAID) है जो आंखों में प्रोस्टाग्लैंडिन नामक रसायनों को कम करके दर्द और सूजन को कम करती है। यह दवा केवल आंखों में डालने के लिए है और इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही उपयोग करना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में धुंधली दृष्टि, आंखों में असुविधा, जलन, और पानी आना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन कॉर्निया में घाव, एलर्जी, या रक्तस्राव की समस्या हो सकती है। यदि आंखों में तेज दर्द, लालिमा, या दृष्टि में कमी हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा का उपयोग डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही करें। उपयोग से पहले हाथ धोएं। ड्रॉपर की नोक को आंख या किसी सतह से न छुएं। कॉन्टैक्ट लेंस पहनने से पहले डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। दवा डालने के बाद कुछ मिनट तक धुंधली दृष्टि हो सकती है, इसलिए वाहन न चलाएं। दवा को बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 ilevro opthalmic suspension Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Postoperative pain and inflammation after cataract surgery","description":"This medicine is used to reduce pain and swelling following cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Postoperative macular edema prevention","description":"It helps reduce the risk of macular edema, a common complication after cataract surgery.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Pain and inflammation after other ocular surgeries","description":"Sometimes used off-label for postoperative inflammation following refractive or corneal surgeries.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Cystoid macular edema associated with uveitis","description":"May be used off-label to reduce macular edema in inflammatory eye conditions.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Postoperative ocular pain and inflammation
Also treats: Postoperative macular edema
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Nepafenac (0.3% w/v) |
| Brand Name | ilevro opthalmic suspension |
| Manufacturer | Novartis India Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL |
| Action Class | NSAID's- Non-Selective COX 1&2 Inhibitors (Topical) |
| Route of Administration | Ophthalmic |
| Storage | Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store upright. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. Discard 4 weeks after opening. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Nepafenac is a prodrug that rapidly penetrates the cornea and is converted by ocular tissue hydrolases to amfenac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Amfenac inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, thereby reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators. This leads to decreased pain and inflammation in the eye. The 0.3% suspension provides a longer duration of action compared to the 0.1% formulation, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take ilevro opthalmic suspension
Strength: Ophthalmic suspension, 0.3% w/v
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, starting 1 day before cataract surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and for 2 weeks postoperatively, or as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. Use as prescribed by your doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment as systemic absorption is minimal. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for hepatic impairment as systemic absorption is minimal. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. |
Dosage Timeline
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of ilevro opthalmic suspension
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Other topical NSAIDs | Major | |
| Topical corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Antiglaucoma medications | Moderate | |
| Other eye drops | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other topical NSAIDs
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Corticosteroids (topical ocular)
- Antiglaucoma medications
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
No known interaction between this medicine and alcohol. However, alcohol may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if the medicine is absorbed systemically. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to nepafenac or any component of the formulation","Hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs","Active corneal epithelial herpes simplex keratitis","Use in patients wearing contact lenses during the postoperative period"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["For ophthalmic use only. Do not inject or take orally.","Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants.","May delay wound healing; monitor after surgery.","Do not use if the suspension is discolored or contains particles.","Avoid contact of the dropper tip with any surface to prevent contamination.","Remove contact lenses before use and wait 10 minutes before reinserting.","Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether nepafenac is excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised when used by a breastfeeding woman. Consult your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is unlikely due to its ophthalmic route. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention. In case of excessive eye exposure, flush the eye with water and consult a doctor.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor. Wash your hands before and after applying the drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to avoid contamination. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before application and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not use this medicine if the suspension is discolored or contains particles. Avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after instillation if your vision is temporarily blurred. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening, or as directed by your pharmacist.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to corneal adverse events and bleeding. Use with caution and monitor closely.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine. It should be used only if clearly needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine is specifically used after cataract surgery. Follow your surgeon's instructions for use and attend all postoperative visits.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are using this medicine, as it may increase bleeding risk during dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that increase intraocular pressure, such as heavy lifting or bending, immediately after eye surgery. Consult your doctor before resuming exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
You may experience temporary blurred vision after applying the drops. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision is clear. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days after surgery, as advised by their doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop using this medicine after the prescribed duration or as directed by your ophthalmologist. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor, especially if you are still experiencing symptoms.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine beyond the prescribed period is not recommended. Prolonged use may increase the risk of corneal adverse events, delayed wound healing, and increased bleeding tendency. Regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist is advised.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can help reduce eye swelling and discomfort after surgery.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay provide symptomatic relief for dry eye after surgery.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No known interaction between this medicine and vaccines. However, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine while using this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F)
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the cap off
✅ DO
Store upright
❌ DON'T
Do not store in a tilted position
✅ DO
Discard 4 weeks after opening
❌ DON'T
Do not use beyond the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes. Bring a copy of your prescription in case of customs checks. If traveling across time zones, continue with your regular dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Store the bottle upright and avoid freezing.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Pain relief typically begins within 30 minutes to 1 hour after instillation, but full anti-inflammatory effects may take a few days.
A: No, this medicine is specifically for postoperative pain and inflammation, not for allergic eye conditions.
A: Consult your doctor before use. It should be used only if clearly needed.
A: Remove contact lenses before application and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for ilevro opthalmic suspension
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
nepalast 0.3% eye dropChoroid Laboratories ₹191.00 54.5% CHEAPER
-
relivion eye dropAice Healthcare ₹262.50 37.4% CHEAPER
-
nepaflam od eye dropAjanta Pharma Ltd ₹370.31 11.7% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be used for any eye pain.
Fact: It is specifically for postoperative eye pain and inflammation, not for general eye pain or infections. - Myth: More drops mean faster relief.
Fact: Using more than prescribed does not improve results and may increase side effects. - Myth: It is safe to use with contact lenses.
Fact: Contact lenses should be removed before application and not reinserted for at least 10 minutes, unless advised otherwise.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Nepafenac 0.3% ophthalmic suspension
Brand Alternatives
- Nepafenac 0.3% ophthalmic suspension