XIBROM
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for XIBROM (XIBROM).
XIBROM (bromfenac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing intraocular inflammation.
| Metabolism | Metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 to hydroxylated metabolites; also undergoes glucuronidation. |
| Excretion | Renal: ~70% (primarily as unchanged drug); Biliary/Fecal: ~15% (as metabolites); the remainder is eliminated via other minor pathways. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 42 hours. Clinical context: Due to its long half-life, steady-state is achieved after about 8 days of daily dosing, which contributes to sustained anti-inflammatory effect. |
| Protein binding | Highly protein-bound (>99%) to albumin. Clinical note: The extensive binding limits free drug concentration but does not significantly affect efficacy at therapeutic doses. |
| Volume of Distribution | Vd is approximately 0.13 L/kg. Clinical meaning: This low Vd indicates limited extravascular distribution, consistent with high protein binding and confinement mainly to the vascular compartment. |
| Bioavailability | Ophthalmic: Systemic bioavailability after topical ocular administration is very low (<0.5%) due to limited absorption and first-pass metabolism; Oral: ~80% (but not a clinically relevant route). |
| Onset of Action | Ophthalmic administration: Onset within 2 hours for inhibition of intraoperative miosis; Oral administration (not typical): Onset within 2–4 hours for anti-inflammatory effect. |
| Duration of Action | Ophthalmic: Anti-inflammatory effect lasts up to 12 hours after a single dose; however, continued dosing maintains effect. Clinical note: The drug is typically dosed four times daily starting 24 hours before surgery and continuing for up to 2 weeks postoperatively. |
| Molecular Weight | 322.27 |
Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times daily starting 24 hours before surgery and continuing for 2 weeks postoperatively.
| Dosage form | SOLUTION/DROPS |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required for renal impairment. |
| Liver impairment | No dose adjustment required for hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment recommended; use standard adult dosing. |
| 1st trimester | Avoid during first trimester unless benefit outweighs risk; associated with ductus arteriosus constriction and oligohydramnios. |
| 2nd trimester | Avoid during second trimester due to risk of fetal renal impairment and oligohydramnios. |
| 3rd trimester | Contraindicated in third trimester due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for XIBROM (XIBROM).
| Placental transfer | Crosses placenta; animal studies demonstrate transfer, and human evidence of fetal effects suggests significant placental transfer. |
| Breastfeeding | Excreted into breast milk in low amounts; however, due to potential adverse effects on infant cardiovascular system, use caution, especially with prolonged therapy. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
NSAIDs may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk. XIBROM is also contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
| Serious Effects |
Severe hepatic impairmentActive peptic ulcer diseaseHistory of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDsThird trimester of pregnancyKnown hypersensitivity to bromfenac or any excipient
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or receiving anticoagulants, May increase bleeding time, Use with caution in patients with known sulfite sensitivity, Avoid use in patients with active ocular infection, Monitor for corneal adverse events, including keratitis and corneal ulceration, May delay corneal wound healing |
| Food/Dietary | No significant food interactions. Avoid alcohol if concurrent oral NSAIDs used. |
Loading safety data…
| Lactation Rating |
| L3 (Moderately Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | FDA Pregnancy Category C. Bromfenac ophthalmic solution has not been studied in pregnant women. Systemic exposure after ocular administration is low (Cmax ~0.2 ng/mL), but animal studies show fetal toxicity at high doses. First trimester: No adequate human data; theoretical risk based on NSAID class (increased risk of miscarriage and cardiac defects). Second and third trimesters: NSAID exposure may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and oligohydramnios; avoid use after 30 weeks gestation. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor for signs of uterine bleeding, premature labor, or oligohydramnios if used in second/third trimester. In neonates, monitor for patent ductus arteriosus and renal function if exposure near term. Routine ophthalmic monitoring for corneal effects. |
| Fertility Effects | No human studies. NSAIDs may impair female fertility by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, causing luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome and reversible delayed ovulation. Male fertility: NSAIDs may affect sperm quality; bromfenac specific data not available. |
| Clinical Pearls | Xibrom (bromfenac) is a topical NSAID for postoperative ocular inflammation. Apply one drop to the affected eye twice daily starting 24 hours after surgery. Use for 2 weeks post-cataract surgery. Avoid in patients with aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity. Monitor for corneal epithelial defects, especially in dry eye or compromised corneas. Do not use while wearing contact lenses. |
| Patient Advice | Wash hands before and after application. · Remove contact lenses before instillation and wait 15 minutes before reinserting. · Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination. · Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops if using multiple. · Report any eye pain, redness, or vision changes immediately. · Do not drive or operate machinery until vision clears after drops. |