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Home > Drug Category > Anti-Inflammatory > Acular and Equivalent

Acular Information

Acular (ketorolac ophthalmic) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as an eye drop. It is used to relieve eye itching caused by seasonal allergies and to treat pain and inflammation following certain eye surgeries, such as cataract extraction. Inflammation in the eye can result from various irritations, injuries, or surgical procedures, leading to symptoms like redness, swelling, discomfort, and light sensitivity. Acular works by reducing the production of certain natural substances in the eye called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a key role in mediating inflammation and pain responses. By inhibiting the enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis, Acular helps to decrease the inflammatory reaction within the eye, thereby alleviating pain and swelling and improving overall comfort.

Acular Side Effects

The most common side effects of Acular may include eye irritation, stinging or burning upon instillation, eye redness, dry eyes, blurred vision, or headache. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Corneal complications, such as thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), which can be severe and potentially lead to vision loss;
• Delayed healing after eye surgery;
• Eye pain, changes in vision, or persistent eye irritation;
• New or worsening eye infection (e.g., increased discharge, swelling, redness);
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Acular Precautions

Do not use Acular if you are allergic to ketorolac or any other ingredients in this medication or if you have had an allergic reaction (like asthma, hives, or severe swelling) to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a bleeding disorder, a history of corneal problems (e.g., dry eye, corneal thinning, previous corneal surgery complications, recurrent corneal erosions), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a history of complicated eye surgeries. Patients with complex ocular surgeries, corneal denervation, or active ocular surface diseases (e.g., severe dry eye syndrome) may be at increased risk of corneal complications. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially other eye drops. There may be a drug interaction between Acular and other eye drops, particularly other NSAID eye drops or corticosteroid eye drops, which could increase the risk of corneal complications. If using multiple eye drops, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Acular. NSAIDs used in the third trimester of pregnancy (at 20 weeks gestation or later) can harm the fetus. Generally, the use of NSAID eye drops during late pregnancy should be avoided unless necessary. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Acular. It is unknown if ketorolac passes into breast milk from ophthalmic use, but systemic absorption is low. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor. Do not wear contact lenses while using Acular, especially if your eyes are inflamed or during the post-operative period following eye surgery. Prolonged use of Acular beyond the recommended duration can increase the risk of corneal adverse events.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Acular comes as an eye drop solution in a sterile container. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and look up. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed. If using more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes between drops. Do not rinse the dropper. Use Acular at the same time(s) each day to help you remember. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment. Store Acular at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Acular?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Acular.