Acular Eye Drops
Other name:
Ketorolac Ophthalmic
(kee toe role' ak)
Why is Acular prescribed?
Acular (Ketorolac ophthalmic)
is used to treat itchy eyes caused by
allergies. It
also is used to treat swelling and redness
(inflammation -
cystoid macular edema) that can occur after
cataract
surgery. Ketorolac ophthalmic is in a class of drugs
called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It
works by stopping the release of substances that
cause allergy symptoms and inflammation.
How should Acular be used?
Acular comes in the form of eyedrops. For allergy symptoms, one drop is
usually applied to the affected eyes four times a
day. For inflammation after cataract surgery, one
drop is usually applied to the affected eye four
times a day for 2 weeks beginning 24 hours after
surgery. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Use
ketorolac ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use
more or less of it or use it more than prescribed by
your doctor.
Your allergy symptom
(itchy eyes) should improve when you apply the
eye drops. If your symptoms do not improve or they
worsen, call your doctor.
For treatment of
itchy eyes caused by allergies, continue to use
ketorolac ophthalmic until you are no longer exposed
to the substance that causes your symptom, allergy
season is over, or your doctor tells you to stop
using it.
Acular special
precautions
Before using Acular eyedrops,
• tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to ketorolac
ophthalmic, aspirin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor
and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially
anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin
(Coumadin); aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
agents, such as celexocib (Celebrex), diclofenec (Voltaren),
etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen
(Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol),
indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail),
ketorolac (Toradol), meclofenamate, mefenamic (Ponstel),
nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn),
oxaprozin (Daypro), Piroxicam (Feldene), refecoxib (Vioxx),
sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin); and
vitamins or herbal products.
• tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver
disease or bleeding problems.
• tell your doctor
if you wear soft contact lenses. You should not use
ketorolac ophthalmic while wearing your soft contact
lenses.
• tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breastfeeding.
• use caution when
driving or operating machinery because your vision
may be blurred after inserting the drops.
What should I do if
I forget a dose of Acular?
Apply the missed
dose as soon as you remember it. However, if is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Acular cause?
Although side
effects from ketorolac ophthalmic are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• stinging and
burning of the eyes
• blurry vision
If you experience
any of the following symptoms, stop using ketorolac
ophthalmic and call your doctor immediately:
• redness or
swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or skin
• infection in or
around the eye
• skin rash, hives,
or skin changes
• difficulty
breathing or swallowing
How do I store Acular?
Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
What other
information should I know?
Keep all
appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone
else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your
prescription. |
