Suprofen is an NSAID used to prevent pupil constriction in ocular surgery Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medicines are used in the eye to lessen problems that can occur during or after some kinds of eye surgery. Sometimes, the pupil of the eye gets smaller during an operation (pupil constriction), making it more difficult for the surgeon to reach some areas of the eye. Suprofen is used to help prevent this. It targets the prostaglandin G/H synthase-1 (COX-1) and prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 (COX-2) in the cyclooxygenase pathway. The cyclooxygenase pathway begins in the cytosol with phospholipids being converted into arachidonic acid by the action of phospholipase A2. The rest of the pathway occurs on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, where prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 & 2 converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2. Prostaglandin H2 can either be converted into thromboxane A2 via thromboxane A synthase, prostacyclin/prostaglandin I2 via prostacyclin synthase or prostaglandin E2 via prostaglandin E synthase. COX-2 is an inducible enzyme, and during inflammation, it is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. Suprofen binds to the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzymes, preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins and reducing the inflammatory response. Prostaglandins act as messenger molecules in the process of inflammation. The overall result is a reduction in pain and inflammation in the eyes and the prevention of pupil constriction during surgery. Normally trauma to the anterior segment of the eye (especially the iris) increases endogenous prostaglandin synthesis which leads to constriction of the iris sphincter.

Suprofen NSAID Pathway References