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

Acular LS Information

Acular LS (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) specifically formulated as an eye drop. It is primarily used for the temporary relief of ocular pain and burning/stinging that can occur following corneal refractive surgery, such as LASIK. After such surgical procedures, the eye's tissues can become inflamed, leading to discomfort. Acular LS works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the eye. Prostaglandins are natural chemicals that are released in response to injury or irritation and are key mediators of pain and inflammation. By reducing the levels of these prostaglandins, Acular LS helps to alleviate the post-operative discomfort, burning, and stinging sensations, promoting a more comfortable recovery period for the eye.

Acular LS Side Effects

The most common side effects of Acular LS may include transient stinging or burning upon instillation, eye irritation, eye redness, tearing, or headache. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Corneal complications, including thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), which can be severe and potentially lead to vision loss;
• Delayed healing after eye surgery;
• Severe eye pain, persistent vision changes, or worsening eye irritation;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Acular LS Precautions

Do not use Acular LS 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), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that might affect corneal healing. Patients with complicated 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 LS and other eye drops, particularly other NSAID eye drops or corticosteroid eye drops, which could increase the risk of corneal complications or delayed healing. 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 LS. NSAIDs used in the third trimester of pregnancy can harm the fetus and should generally be avoided. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Acular LS. It is unknown if ketorolac passes into breast milk from ophthalmic use, but systemic absorption is generally 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 LS, especially during the post-operative period. Prolonged use of Acular LS beyond the recommended duration can increase the risk of corneal adverse events.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Acular LS 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 LS at the same time(s) each day to help you remember. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment. Store Acular LS 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 LS?

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