Amfenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the fenamic acid class, originally developed in the late 1970s to provide a more potent and safer alternative to traditional NSAIDs. It reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which lowers prostaglandin production in the body. While initially explored for systemic use, amfenac became particularly valuable in ophthalmology for treating post-operative eye inflammation. Its fast onset and high efficacy also inspired the creation of related compounds, such as nepafenac, a prodrug widely used in ocular therapies. Clinical research has shown that amfenac effectively manages pain and inflammation while offering a better gastrointestinal safety profile compared to older NSAIDs. The drug’s development also contributed to a deeper understanding of COX-2 selective inhibition and influenced the design of newer anti-inflammatory agents. Today, amfenac continues to be significant in both pharmaceutical research and clinical practice, especially in ophthalmic care, highlighting its enduring therapeutic relevance.
