Flurbiprofen: Uses, How It Works, and Safety Tips

Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, swelling, and fever. Doctors prescribe it for joint pain, dental pain, muscle injuries, and some post‑operative conditions. There is also an ophthalmic form that eye surgeons use to control inflammation and keep the pupil from constricting during cataract surgery.

How flurbiprofen works is straightforward:

it blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that make prostaglandins—the chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. By lowering those signals you feel less pain and swelling. The effect usually starts within an hour for oral tablets and sooner for topical or eye drops.

Typical oral doses vary by country and condition. Many adults take 50 mg every eight hours or 100 mg twice daily, but your doctor will choose the right dose for you. Always follow the prescription label and never mix NSAIDs without medical advice. For eye procedures, the ophthalmic preparation is used as directed by the surgeon.

Common side effects to watch for include

stomach upset, heartburn, headache, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. More serious risks include stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and increased cardiovascular risk, especially with long‑term use or high doses. If you notice black stools, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden weakness, seek medical attention right away.

Interactions matter with flurbiprofen. It can increase bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. Combining it with other NSAIDs, aspirin, or certain antidepressants (SSRIs) raises bleeding risk. It may reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure drugs and interact with lithium or methotrexate. Tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take.

Simple steps can lower risk: take flurbiprofen with food or a glass of milk to ease stomach irritation, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and avoid alcohol while on treatment. If you have a history of ulcers, kidney disease, heart disease, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using flurbiprofen.

Before surgery or dental work, always tell the clinician if you take flurbiprofen—bleeding risk can increase. For long courses, your doctor may monitor kidney function and blood counts. If you’re using the ophthalmic drops, follow the exact schedule your surgeon gives and report any eye pain, vision changes, or severe irritation.

Questions to ask your prescriber: Why is flurbiprofen right for my condition? What dose and duration should I use? Are there safer alternatives given my health history? Asking these keeps treatment safe and effective.

Flurbiprofen is not usually recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy because NSAIDs can affect the fetal heart and labor. Nursing mothers should check with a doctor before using it. Children may have different dosing and should only get it under pediatric guidance. If you prefer non‑NSAID pain control, acetaminophen is often safer for short-term use, but it won’t reduce inflammation. Always store medications out of reach of children and dispose of unused pills at a pharmacy take‑back to avoid accidental ingestion. Keep questions coming.