Acular (Ketorolac Tromethamine)

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Acular is a brand name for an ophthalmic medication containing the active ingredient ketorolac tromethamine. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in the eyes following certain surgical procedures, such as cataract removal or corneal refractive surgery.

The medication comes in the form of eye drops and works by inhibiting the production of certain substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Acular eye drops are typically used to relieve post-operative eye pain and reduce swelling in the eye tissues after surgery.

Uses

As mentioned earlier, Acular is primarily used for the treatment of eye pain and inflammation following certain types of ocular surgery, such as cataract removal or corneal refractive surgery. It belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and its main uses include:

  • Postoperative Ocular Pain: After undergoing eye surgery, some patients may experience discomfort or pain in their eyes. Acular eye drops can help to alleviate this pain by reducing inflammation and blocking the production of pain-causing substances in the eye.
  • Reduction of Eye Inflammation: Following ocular surgery, there might be inflammation in the eye tissues. Remedy helps to decrease this inflammation and swelling, promoting a faster recovery and improved comfort for the patient.

It's essential to note that Acular is specifically indicated for short-term use only, usually a few days after the surgery, and should not be used for prolonged periods or as a treatment for chronic eye conditions.

Acular Eye Drops

Dosage

The dosage of Acular (ketorolac tromethamine) eye drops may vary based on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the inflammation, and individual patient factors. The following dosages are general guidelines and may not apply to everyone. Always use the medication exactly as prescribed.

Typical dosage for postoperative ocular pain and inflammation:

  1. Adults: The usual recommended dose for adults is one drop of Acular 0.5% solution in the affected eye(s) four times daily. The treatment usually begins on the day of surgery and continues for a few days after the procedure, as determined by your doctor.
  2. Pediatric Patients (Aged 3 to 17 years): The safety and efficacy of eye drops in pediatric patients have not been fully established.

General guidelines for using Acular eye drops:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the eye drops.
  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye, but avoid touching the eye or any other surface with the dropper tip.
  • Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the eye(s) as directed by your doctor.
  • Close your eyes gently for a moment to allow the medication to spread evenly across the eye's surface.
  • If you are using other eye drops or ointments, please wait at least 5-10 minutes between administering different medications.
  • Replace the cap on the eye drop bottle immediately after use.
  • Avoid touching your eyes with the dropper tip or sharing the medication with others.

Overdose

An overdose of Acular can be a serious medical emergency and may lead to harmful side effects. If you suspect an overdose or someone has accidentally ingested the medication, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center.

Overdose symptoms may include:

  • Severe eye irritation or burning sensation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision or changes in vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness
  • Eye discharge
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting (if the medication is ingested)

In case of an accidental overdose or if you or someone else has used more Acular eye drops than prescribed, take the following steps:

  • Rinse the eyes with clean, cool water to flush out any excess medication if it was applied topically.
  • Contact emergency medical services or seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions

When using Acular eye drops, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

  • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to ketorolac or other NSAIDs. If you experience an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, stop using Acular and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Medical Conditions: Acular is an NSAID and can have systemic effects, so your doctor needs to assess its safety in your specific case.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Acular should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and under medical supervision.
  • Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or eye drops you are using, as certain drugs can interact with Acular and may affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
  • Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Acular eye drops. You can reinsert the lenses 15 minutes after applying the drops.
  • Children: The safety and effectiveness of Acular eye drops in children under the age of 3 have not been established.
  • Duration of Use: Acular is intended for short-term use after ocular surgery. Do not use the medication for prolonged periods or without a doctor's supervision.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: Acular may cause temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears and you feel comfortable doing so.
  • Eye Health: If you have an eye infection or other eye conditions, consult your eye doctor before using Acular.
  • Proper Use: Follow your doctor's instructions on the correct dosage and frequency of Acular eye drops. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.
  • Adverse Reactions: If you experience any severe eye pain, vision changes, signs of eye infection, or any other unexpected side effects, stop using the medication.

Side Effects

Acular eye drops can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some of the common side effects include:

  • Eye Irritation: You may experience temporary burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eyes after using the eye drops. This sensation usually subsides quickly.
  • Blurred Vision: Acular can cause temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances immediately after application. Avoid activities that require clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until your vision returns to normal.
  • Dry Eye: Some individuals may experience dryness in the eyes while using Acular eye drops.
  • Tearing: Paradoxically, Acular can lead to increased tearing in some people.
  • Redness or Swelling: In rare cases, the eye drops may cause eye redness or swelling.
  • Eye Sensitivity: Acular can make your eyes more sensitive to light (photophobia).
  • Eye Discharge: Some individuals may notice eye discharge, such as increased tearing or watery eyes.
  • Eye Allergy: Allergic reactions to remedy are possible, leading to symptoms like itching, rash, or swelling of the eyes and surrounding tissues.
  • Systemic Effects: Although Acular is applied topically to the eyes, some of the medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic side effects, similar to other NSAIDs. These effects may include stomach upset, headache, dizziness, and allergic reactions.

It's important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and there may be other side effects not mentioned here. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using Acular eye drops, stop using the medication, and seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Proper storage of Acular eye drops is essential to maintain its effectiveness and ensure its safety. Here are some general guidelines for storing eye drops:

  • Store at Room Temperature: Keep the Acular eye drops at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
  • Protect from Light: Store the eye drop bottle in its original carton or container to protect it from exposure to light, which can degrade the medication.
  • Keep the Cap Tightly Closed: Always ensure that the cap of the eye drop bottle is tightly closed when not in use. This helps prevent contamination and keeps the eye drops from evaporating.
  • Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze Acular eye drops, as freezing may alter the medication's effectiveness.
  • Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Store the eye drops in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Accidental ingestion of the medication can be harmful.
  • Check Expiry Date: Before using Acular eye drops, check the expiration date on the packaging. Do not use the medication if it has expired.
  • One Person Use: Avoid sharing your Acular eye drops with others to prevent cross-contamination or potential transmission of infections.
  • Proper Disposal: If the medication has expired, dispose of the eye drops properly according to local regulations or guidelines.