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

Acuvail Information

Acuvail (ketorolac ophthalmic solution) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as an eye drop. It's primarily prescribed to reduce eye pain and inflammation that can occur after cataract surgery. After surgery, the tissues of the eye can become inflamed, leading to discomfort and swelling. Acuvail works by blocking certain natural substances in the eye that cause inflammation and pain. By doing so, it helps to alleviate post-operative symptoms, making the recovery process more comfortable and aiding in the proper healing of the eye.

Acuvail Side Effects

The most common side effects of Acuvail may include eye irritation or stinging, eye pain, redness, headache, and blurred vision. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, severe dizziness, trouble breathing);
• Changes in vision (e.g., significant or sudden decrease in vision, new floaters, flashes of light);
• Corneal complications (e.g., thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation of the cornea), which may indicate damage to the eye's surface;
• Eye infection (e.g., discharge, increased redness, swelling, pain);
• Prolonged bleeding time of the eye tissue (uncommon but possible, especially with concomitant use of blood thinners).

Acuvail Precautions

Don't use Acuvail if you're allergic to ketorolac, any other NSAID, or any of its ingredients. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or have had bleeding problems or are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), as Acuvail can increase the risk of bleeding, corneal disease or any other eye surface problems (e.g., dry eye syndrome, previous eye surgeries or injuries), as it might slow healing, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, or ocular surgery complications, such as complicated cataract surgery. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Acuvail and other medications, particularly other NSAIDs (oral or topical), or medications that increase bleeding risk (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel). Using other eye drops at the same time might also be a concern, so discuss this with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Acuvail. The safety of Acuvail during pregnancy hasn't been fully established, and it should generally be avoided in late pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal circulation. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. Inform your doctor if you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It's unknown if ketorolac passes into breast milk when used topically, but caution is advised. Your doctor will help you decide if you should continue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication. The safety and effectiveness of Acuvail in pediatric patients haven't been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Acuvail comes as an eye drop solution. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before using the drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the eye. Close your eyes gently for a moment to allow the medicine to spread. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. If you're using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication. Don't wear contact lenses while using Acuvail unless your doctor advises otherwise. Store Acuvail at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Acuvail?

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