KETOROLAC 0.45% PRESERVATIVE-FREE SOLUTION - OPHTHALMIC
Common Brand Name(s): Acuvail
Phonetic Pronunciation: (KEE-toe-ROLE-ak)
Information last revised May 2010
What does KETOROLAC 0.45% PF SOLN - OPHT look like?
Acuvail 0.45 % Eye Dropperette
Uses:
This medication is used to treat eye pain and swelling (inflammation) after cataract surgery. Ketorolac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking certain natural substances in your body to reduce pain and swelling.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Apply this medication to the affected eye as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily starting 1 day before surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and then for 2 weeks after surgery. To apply eye medication, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery. For single-use vials, open the vial right before use. After use, discard any remaining solution right away. Do not keep an opened vial for later use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes between applying each medication. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than directed by your doctor. This medication is usually used only for a short time. Prolonged use may slow or delay healing and may increase your chance of serious side effects. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or if it worsens (for example, you develop worsening eye pain/itching/swelling).
Drug Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin). Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin; or to other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding problems, recent multiple eye surgeries, other eye problems (such as dry eye syndrome, cornea problems), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, nasal polyps. Your vision may be temporarily unstable after applying this medication. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. If you develop an eye infection or injury, ask your doctor if you should continue to use this medication. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Avoid use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the single-use vials in the pouch provided and fold the pouch ends closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
This medication may sting or burn your eyes for 1-2 minutes when applied. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: eye pain/swelling, vision changes (such as decreased vision), bleeding inside the eye. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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