Flurbiprofen
Pronunciation: (flur-BYE-proe-fen).
- Generic name
- Flurbiprofen
- Brand names
- Froben, Strefen, Flurbin, Ocuflur, Ansaid, Ocufen
- Drug class
- Pain Relief & Analgesics
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Flurbiprofen is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Flurbiprofen works
Flurbiprofen is a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. By inhibiting prostaglandin production, flurbiprofen reduces inflammation, pain, and fever. (1)
What Flurbiprofen is used for
Pain relief (mild to moderate)
Used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including minor aches and sore throat (as a lozenge formulation). (2)
Inflammation reduction
Reduces inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, and as eye drops to reduce inflammation after eye surgery. (2)
Osteoarthritis
FDA-approved to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in the oral tablet formulation. (2)
Rheumatoid arthritis
FDA-approved to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the oral tablet formulation. (2)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis. (2)
Before taking Flurbiprofen
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs, history of asthma or allergic-type reactions to aspirin/NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding, severe heart failure, and perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Flurbiprofen
- General Instructions: Take flurbiprofen exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than the recommended dose or for longer than directed.. Adult Dosing: Typical oral dose for pain or inflammation: 50–100 mg every 6–8 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 300 mg.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established for most indications. Use only under specialist advice.. Administration: Take tablets with a full glass of water. Lozenges should be dissolved slowly in the mouth. Eye drops should be used as directed for ophthalmic indications.. When To Stop: Seek prompt medical attention if you develop severe side effects, an allergic reaction, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding; the clinician you see can advise whether to stop flurbiprofen or continue it.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center. Symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or seizures. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Indigestion
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fluid retention
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased blood pressure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: >3% (per FDA label)
Urinary tract infection symptoms
Incidence: >3% (per FDA label)
Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain) or a heart attack/stroke (chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, slurred speech) — this is an FDA boxed-warning-level risk
Incidence: Uncommon but can be serious/fatal; can occur at any time during use, sometimes without warning symptoms
Signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing, hives), especially in people with a history of asthma or aspirin/NSAID allergy
Incidence: Uncommon but serious
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING (the label's highest-level safety warning, standard for this NSAID class) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING (the label's highest-level safety warning, standard for this NSAID class): (1) increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal, and this risk can occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use; (2) increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can occur at any time during use, with or without warning symptoms, and can be fatal; (3) flurbiprofen is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment — serious
Symptoms: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment. May interact with other medications, including blood thinners and antihypertensives.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The formal FDA contraindications are — serious
Symptoms: The formal FDA contraindications are: known hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen, a history of asthma or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, and perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery. Clinicians also use added caution for active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding, severe heart failure, renal or hepatic impairment, hypertension, elderly patients, and those with a history of GI disease.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Flurbiprofen may interact with anticoagulants (such as warfarin), antiplatelet agents, other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and lithium. These interactions may increase the risk of bleeding, kidney problems, or reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
FDA boxed warning: NSAID use, including flurbiprofen, at about 20 weeks of pregnancy or later can cause fetal kidney problems that may lead to low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), and use at about 30 weeks of pregnancy or later is avoided because of the risk of premature closure of a fetal blood vessel (the ductus arteriosus). Any use of flurbiprofen at any point in pregnancy should be discussed with, and directed by, the treating obstetric or prescribing clinician, who will weigh the specific clinical need against these risks. (2)
Breastfeeding
Flurbiprofen is poorly excreted into human breast milk; the predicted infant dose is roughly 0.1 mg per day from a maternal dose of 200 mg per day. Breastfeeding decisions should still be discussed with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: flurbiprofen is not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease; if therapy is necessary in less severe renal impairment, renal function should be monitored closely. Hepatic impairment: hepatic metabolism accounts for more than 90% of flurbiprofen elimination, so patients with liver disease may need a reduced dose compared with those with normal liver function. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: flurbiprofen is not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease; if therapy is necessary in less severe renal impairment, renal function should be monitored closely. Hepatic impairment: hepatic metabolism accounts for more than 90% of flurbiprofen elimination, so patients with liver disease may need a reduced dose compared with those with normal liver function. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Pain relief (mild to moderate)
Dose summary: Flurbiprofen 50 mg to 100 mg orally, 3 times a day; total daily dose 200-300 mg divided into 2-4 doses, with a maximum single dose of 100 mg per the FDA label.
Renal context: Not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease; renal function should be monitored closely if therapy is necessary in less severe renal impairment. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is flurbiprofen used for?
Flurbiprofen is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is commonly prescribed for arthritis, sore throat, and post-operative eye inflammation.
How quickly does flurbiprofen work?
Flurbiprofen typically begins to relieve pain and inflammation within 1–2 hours after oral administration. Eye drops may reduce inflammation within a few days.
Can I take flurbiprofen with other painkillers?
You should not take flurbiprofen with other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) due to increased risk of side effects. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be used for additional pain relief, but consult your doctor first.
Is flurbiprofen safe during pregnancy?
Flurbiprofen carries an FDA boxed warning about pregnancy: taking it at about 20 weeks or later can affect the baby's kidneys and amniotic fluid, and it is avoided at about 30 weeks or later because of a risk to the baby's heart circulation. Discuss any use of flurbiprofen with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What should I do if I experience stomach pain while taking flurbiprofen?
Seek medical attention promptly if you develop severe stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood — these can be signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Let the clinician you see decide whether to stop flurbiprofen or continue it.
Can flurbiprofen cause allergic reactions?
Yes, flurbiprofen can cause serious allergic reactions, especially in people with a history of NSAID or aspirin allergy. Seek immediate medical help if you develop swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives.
How should I store flurbiprofen?
Store flurbiprofen at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medications out of reach of children.
What happens if I take too much Flurbiprofen?
Taking too much Flurbiprofen can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and dizziness. In severe cases, it may cause kidney problems or gastrointestinal bleeding. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact poison control. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Flurbiprofen?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Flurbiprofen. Both alcohol and NSAIDs like Flurbiprofen can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding. Combining them can significantly heighten these risks. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is the mechanism of action of Flurbiprofen?
Flurbiprofen is a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. By inhibiting prostaglandin production, flurbiprofen reduces inflammation, pain, and fever. (1)
What is the generic name of Flurbiprofen?
The generic name is Flurbiprofen. It is sold under brand names including Froben, Strefen, Flurbin, Ocuflur, Ansaid, Ocufen.
What class of drug is Flurbiprofen?
Flurbiprofen is classed as: Pain Relief & Analgesics.
References
- Flurbiprofen — MedGuideGlobal Clinician Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record · Global (non-country-specific) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ANSAID (flurbiprofen) tablet — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- FLURBIPROFEN SODIUM SOLUTION/ DROPS [AMICI PHARMA, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Flurbiprofen — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Flurbiprofen Sodium — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA074447)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Flurbiprofen — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4502)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Flurbiprofen names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Rinol-STroche8.75 mg · lydia co., ltd.
- LURBIRO100 mg · ipg pharmaceuticals, inc.
Canada
- APO-FLURBIPROFEN FC