Why is Acular eye drops prescribed?

Ketorolac (Acular) eye drops are prescribed for the treatment of eye inflammation and pain associated with cataract surgery (a procedure to replace the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one) and also to relieve itching in the eyes caused by allergies.

What does it do?

When you are exposed to an allergen (substances that cause an allergic reaction like pollen, dust mites, or animal fur), the body will release chemicals that cause pain and swelling. This causes your eyes to become red, itchy, and irritated.

Ketorolac is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it acts by stopping the release of prostaglandins (natural substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain) by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the formation of prostaglandins.

How should I apply it?

Acular eye drops is a 0.4% or 0.5% ophthalmic solution, available in 5ml bottles. It is intended for application to the eye.

When applying Acular eye drops, always follow the recommended amount your doctor has prescribed. Follow all directions on the label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any clarifications.

To apply Acular eye drops:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the eye drops.
2. Check the dropper tip for chipping or cracks.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and form a pocket by pulling down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger.
4. Place the dropper above your eye, as close as possible, with the tip facing down.
5. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze gently until a drop falls into the pocket made by your lower eyelid and remove your index finger.
6. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes, look towards the floor, and avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids. If you are prescribed to use more than one drop, wait for 5 minutes before administering the next drop.
7. Place your finger on the tear duct and apply light pressure.
8. Put back the cap firmly on the dropper bottle to prevent any spills. It is not necessary to wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
9. Wash your hands to ensure they are clean and free from any medication.

Avoid touching the tip of the dropper with your hands or placing it directly on your eye and do not let it come into contact with any surface. The opening is sterile and should not be contaminated with other particles, or else it may cause another infection in your eye. If you suspect your medication to be contaminated, especially when unusual particles are present or any discoloration occurs, stop using the medication and consult your pharmacist.

Apply Acular eye drops exactly as your doctor instructed and do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency of application. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for any concerns you may have when applying Acular eye drops.

What if I missed a dose?

The desired effects of prescribed medications will only be achieved if taken properly. As much as possible, strictly follow your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose, take it immediately and adjust the time of your next dose depending on your doctor’s advice. Never take two doses at the same time just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before using Acular eye drops?

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ketorolac, any other NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, meloxicam) any component of Acular eye drops, and other medications.

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, swelling of your joints, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, blood disorders and if you are taking blood thinners for a certain condition.

Ketorolac should not be used while wearing soft contact lenses. Inform your doctor if you use soft contact lenses.

Ketorolac may cause you to have blurred vision right after application to your eye. Exercise caution if you will drive or operate machinery after applying Ketorolac.

For the drug label information of Acular LS, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

Most drugs have the possibility of exhibiting side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:
• Blurry vision
• Eye redness
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Stinging or burning sensation after application

Serious side effects include:
• Bleeding of the eye
• Changes in your vision
• Eye infection
• Eye pain
• Severe itching and redness of the eye
• Swelling of the eye

Is it safe to use it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Acular eye drops with any of the following medications:

• Argatroban
• Aspirin
• Bivalirudin
• Celebrex
• Cilostazol
• Clinoril
• Corgard
• Coumadin
• Dalteparin
• Dexamethasone
• Dipyridamole
• Eliquis
• Etodolac
• Feldene
• Fenoprofen
• Flurbiprofen
• Fondaparinux
• Ibuprofen
• Iloprost
• Indocin
• Isoptin
• Ketoprofen
• Lamivudine
• Lepirudin
• Lovenox
• Mannitol
• Meclofenamate
• Medrysone
• Mefenamic acid
• Mobic
• Naproxen
• Oxaprozin
• Plavix
• Pred Forte
• Pregabalin
• Ranexa
• Relafen
• Remifentanil
• Reteplase
• Retin-A
• Streptokinase
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Synalar
• Synthroid
• Terbutaline
• Ticlopidine
• Tirofiban
• Tolmetin
• Triflusal
• Urokinase
• Voltaren
• Xyzal
• Zomig

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Acular eye drops at room temperature (15-25°C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture, as well as children and pets. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Throw away unused or expired medications. Do not flush it in the toilet or down the sink.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

An overdose with Ketorolac is not expected to be dangerous. However, if you swallow it or suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call the poison control center for advice.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are limited studies and data available on the use of Ketorolac in pregnant women. It is unknown if it will cause harm to the fetus. According to the US FDA, Ketorolac is categorized as Pregnancy Category C.

It is not known if Ketorolac is excreted in human milk and if it will cause harm to the breastfeeding infant. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant.

The use of Ketorolac in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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