Flurbiprofen: What It Is and When You Might Need It

Flurbiprofen is an NSAID — a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. People use it to ease pain and reduce inflammation. You might see it as tablets for joint or muscle pain, or as eye drops used during certain eye procedures. It works by lowering prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause pain, fever, and swelling.

Want a quick read before you take it? This page covers the main uses, common side effects, key drug interactions, and simple safety tips you can use when talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Uses and Forms

Flurbiprofen tablets are prescribed for short-term pain relief and inflammation from conditions like sprains, dental pain, or arthritis flares. Eye-drop formulations are used by eye doctors to reduce inflammation or to prevent the pupil from constricting during surgery. The form you get matters — eye drops act locally in the eye, tablets affect the whole body.

Side Effects and Risks to Watch For

Most people get mild side effects like stomach upset, heartburn, or headache. Serious problems can happen, especially with long-term use or high doses. Watch for signs like black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, severe stomach pain, yellowing skin, or reduced urine — these need urgent care.

Be aware of increased risk of bleeding, stomach ulcers, and heart or kidney problems. Older adults are more likely to have complications. Eye drops can cause local irritation, delayed healing, or, rarely, damage to the cornea, so report eye pain or vision changes right away.

If you’re pregnant, particularly in the third trimester, or breastfeeding, check with your clinician before using flurbiprofen. Many NSAIDs are avoided late in pregnancy because they can affect the baby’s circulation.

How to reduce risk: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, take with food to lower stomach upset, and be honest with your doctor about other medicines and health issues.

Key interactions include blood thinners (higher bleeding risk), other NSAIDs (no extra pain relief but higher harm), some blood pressure meds (less effective), SSRIs or SNRIs (higher bleeding risk), lithium and methotrexate (levels can rise). Always check with your pharmacist before combining drugs.

Before you start flurbiprofen, ask your doctor: Do I have any reason to avoid NSAIDs? How long should I take this? What signs mean I should stop? Also show a full list of current meds and supplements — even over-the-counter pills matter.

Short, practical takeaway: flurbiprofen can work well for pain and eye inflammation, but like all NSAIDs it carries real risks. Use it carefully, follow instructions, and contact your healthcare provider if anything feels off.