Uniclophen 0.1% eye drops – diclofenac for eye inflammation and pain after surgery

Uniclophen 0.1% are eye drops, solution, containing diclofenac sodium (1 mg in 1 mL) as the active substance. Diclofenac belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain and inflammation.

The medicine is used before and after eye surgery – to prevent swelling of the macula after cataract surgery, to keep the pupil dilated during surgery and to treat inflammation after surgical procedures or superficial eye injuries – and to relieve pain after laser vision correction (PRK) and the symptoms of non-infectious eye inflammation. It is intended for adults, including the elderly.

What are Uniclophen 0.1% eye drops used for and how should they be instilled correctly?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Uniclophen 0.1% used for?

According to the package leaflet, Uniclophen 0.1% is used:

• for the pre- and postoperative prevention of cystoid macular oedema associated with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation;
• before eye surgery, to keep the pupil dilated during the operation (inhibition of miosis);
• to treat inflammation after eye surgery (cataract or other surgical procedures) or after accidental superficial eye injuries;
• to treat eye pain and relieve discomfort due to corneal epithelial defects after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with an excimer laser;
• to relieve the symptoms and signs of non-infectious eye inflammation.

How is it instilled and dosed?

Recommended dosage for adults, including the elderly:

• Wash your hands; remove contact lenses and reinsert them only 15 minutes after use.
• Pull down the lower eyelid, instil one drop without touching the eye with the dropper tip, then press the corner of the eye by the nose for at least 1 minute (or keep the eye closed for 5 minutes).
• If you use several eye medicines, leave at least 5 minutes between them.
• Close the bottle tightly immediately after use.

Special patient groups

• Children: the medicine is not intended for use in children.
• Elderly patients: the same dosage as in adults is used.
• Kidney or liver impairment: the leaflet does not specify any dose adjustment.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

Do not use Uniclophen 0.1%:

• if you are allergic to diclofenac or any of the excipients;
• if you have had an allergic reaction, skin rash, blocked nose or wheezing after taking acetylsalicylic acid or another medicine for joint or muscle pain.

Intraocular use of the medicine during surgery is also contraindicated.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use:

• if you have a blood clotting disorder or take anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin);
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding;
• if you have another eye disorder, e.g. an infection, or use other eye medicines, e.g. corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone).

By relieving the symptoms of inflammation, the medicine may mask an eye infection. The medicine contains benzalkonium chloride (0.05 mg/mL), which can discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation, especially in dry eyes or corneal disorders.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use.

• If you use more than one medicine in the eye, leave at least 5 minutes between them.
• Concomitant use of eye corticosteroids in patients with an infection or rheumatoid arthritis can, in rare cases, lead to corneal inflammation and structural changes that threaten vision.
• Caution with concomitant use of anticoagulants.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast-feeding, consult your doctor before use. The medicine should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy, as it may inhibit uterine contractions and cause heart problems in the newborn (premature closure of the opening between the heart chambers).

Driving and using machines

Transient blurring of vision may occur after instillation. If this happens, do not drive or use machines until you can see clearly again.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Uniclophen 0.1% can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

• Very common: eye pain.
• Common: transient, mild to moderate eye irritation.
• Less common: itching of the eye, eye redness and blurred vision immediately after instillation.
• Usually after frequent use: inflammation and damage of the eye surface.
• Rare: difficulty breathing and worsening of asthma; with concomitant corticosteroids, infection or rheumatoid arthritis – corneal inflammation and changes that may threaten vision (most often with long-term use).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Too many drops: contact your doctor or pharmacist; overdose with the eye drops has not been reported. If the medicine is accidentally swallowed, the risk is low – one 10 mL bottle contains 10 mg of diclofenac, about 6% of the maximum daily oral dose for adults.
• Missed dose: continue with the next dose as scheduled. Do not instil a double dose.
• Stopping treatment: the duration of use is determined by the doctor (after surgery up to 12 weeks).

Related information

For additional eye care, see also the category Eye drops – products in this category do not replace the medicine prescribed for you.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substance: diclofenac sodium – 1 mg in 1 mL of solution.
• Excipients: boric acid; sodium tetraborate; propylene glycol; hydroxypropylbetadex; disodium edetate dihydrate; benzalkonium chloride (preservative, 0.05265 mg/mL); water for injections.
• Appearance and pack: clear, colourless or pale yellowish solution; polyethylene dropper bottle with screw cap, 10 mL.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Representative office of Unimed Pharma s.r.o. Belgrade (Novi Beograd), Jurija Gagarina 231. Manufacturer: Unimed Pharma spol. s r.o., Orieškova 11, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C in the original package to protect from light and moisture; do not refrigerate or freeze.
• After first opening, use within 28 days; close the bottle immediately after each use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Uniclophen used after cataract surgery?

According to the leaflet, after surgery 1 drop is instilled four times a day for up to 12 weeks. The exact duration is determined by the ophthalmologist.

Can Uniclophen be combined with other eye drops?

Yes, but leave at least 5 minutes between two eye medicines. Tell your doctor if you use corticosteroid drops, as the combination can in rare cases damage the cornea.

Can I use Uniclophen if I am allergic to aspirin?

No. The medicine must not be used if you have had an allergic reaction, rash, blocked nose or wheezing after acetylsalicylic acid or other medicines for joint and muscle pain.

Is it normal for the eye to sting after instillation?

Transient, mild to moderate irritation and eye pain are common side effects. If redness, swelling and itching of the eyelids or difficulty breathing occur, stop use and contact your doctor immediately.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, UNICLOPHEN® 0.1% 1 mg/mL eye drops, solution (SmPC, Serbian)
• ALIMS – Package leaflet, UNICLOPHEN® 0.1% 1 mg/mL eye drops, solution (PIL, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.