What Is Bromfenac? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Bromfenac Is a Prescription NSAID Eye Drop Used to Treat Inflammation and Pain After Cataract Surgery

If you or a loved one is scheduled for cataract surgery, there's a good chance your ophthalmologist will prescribe Bromfenac as part of your post-operative care. This guide covers everything you need to know about this medication in plain language — what it is, how to use it, what it costs, and who should avoid it.

What Is Bromfenac?

Bromfenac (also known as Bromfenac Sodium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulated as an eye drop. It's in the same family of anti-inflammatory drugs as Ibuprofen and Aspirin — but instead of taking a pill, you put a drop directly in your eye.

Key facts about Bromfenac:

• Brand names: Prolensa (0.07%), BromSite (0.075%), and discontinued brands Bromday and Xibrom
• Generic available: Yes — generic Bromfenac 0.09% ophthalmic solution
• Drug class: Ophthalmic NSAID
• Manufacturers: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (BromSite), Bausch + Lomb (Prolensa)
• Controlled substance: No — Bromfenac is not a controlled substance
• FDA approved for: Treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain following cataract surgery

What Is Bromfenac Used For?

Bromfenac is FDA-approved for:

1. Treating inflammation and pain after cataract surgery — This is the primary use. After your surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it, your eye will be inflamed. Bromfenac reduces that inflammation and eases pain during recovery.
2. Preventing eye pain during cataract surgery (BromSite specifically) — BromSite is approved for use starting the day before surgery through 14 days after.

Some doctors also use Bromfenac off-label for:

• Managing macular edema
• Inflammation from other types of eye surgery
• As an adjunct treatment for diabetic macular edema

For a detailed explanation of how the drug works in your body, see our article on Bromfenac's mechanism of action.

How Is Bromfenac Taken?

Bromfenac is applied as an eye drop. Here's what you need to know about proper use:

Dosing

• Prolensa (0.07%): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, beginning the day after surgery, for 14 days
• BromSite (0.075%): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily (morning and evening), starting 1 day before surgery through 14 days after surgery
• Generic Bromfenac (0.09%): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, beginning the day after surgery, for 14 days

How to Apply Eye Drops

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Tilt your head back and look up.
3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze one drop into the pocket.
5. Close your eye gently for 1–2 minutes. Don't blink hard or rub your eye.
6. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.

Important Tips

• Remove contact lenses before using Bromfenac and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.
• If you're using multiple eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between different medications.
• If treating both eyes, use a separate bottle for each eye.

Who Should Not Take Bromfenac?

Bromfenac is not safe for everyone. Do not use this medication if you have:

• A known allergy to Bromfenac or any NSAID — including Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Naproxen (Aleve)
• A history of asthma or hives triggered by NSAIDs
• Sulfite sensitivity — some Bromfenac formulations contain sulfites

Use with extra caution if you have:

• Bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners
• Diabetes
• Dry eye disease
• Corneal problems or prior corneal surgery
• A history of multiple eye surgeries

If you're pregnant, discuss the risks with your doctor. Bromfenac is Pregnancy Category C and should be avoided in late pregnancy. Safety in children has not been established.

For a full list of potential interactions, see our Bromfenac drug interactions guide. And for information on side effects, read Bromfenac side effects: what to expect.

How Much Does Bromfenac Cost?

Bromfenac pricing varies widely depending on the formulation:

• Generic Bromfenac 0.09%: $35–$75 with a discount coupon; retail cash price around $70–$150
• Prolensa (0.07%): $200–$475 cash price
• BromSite (0.075%): $150–$400 cash price

Insurance: Most plans cover Bromfenac after cataract surgery, though brand-name versions may require prior authorization or have higher copays. Some plans may require you to try a cheaper NSAID eye drop like generic Ketorolac first (step therapy).

Saving money: Discount coupons from GoodRx, SingleCare, and other programs can significantly reduce your cost. Learn more in our complete guide to saving money on Bromfenac.

Final Thoughts

Bromfenac is a well-established NSAID eye drop that plays an important role in cataract surgery recovery. It reduces inflammation and pain so your eye can heal properly. Whether your doctor prescribes the generic or a brand-name version, make sure to use it exactly as directed for the full course of treatment.

Need to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have Bromfenac in stock.