Overview
DESCRIPTION: ALCAINE™ (proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.5% is a topical local anesthetic for ophthalmic use. The active ingredient is represented by the structural formula: Established Name: Proparacaine Hydrochloride Chemical Name: Benzoic acid, 3-amino-4-propoxy-,2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester, monohydrochloride. Molecular Weight: 330.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: ALCAINE™ ophthalmic solution is a rapidly-acting topical anesthetic, with induced anesthesia lasting approximately 10-20 minutes.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE: ALCAINE™ ophthalmic solution is indicated for procedures in which a topical ophthalmic anesthetic is indicated: corneal anesthesia of short duration, e.g. tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of corneal foreign bodies, and for short corneal and conjunctival procedures.
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Usual Dosage: Removal of foreign bodies and sutures, and for tonometry: 1 to 2 drops (in single instillations) in each eye before operating. Short Corneal and Conjunctival Procedures: 1 drop in each eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses. NOTE: ALCAINE™ (proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.5% should be clear to straw-color. If the solution becomes darker, discard the solution.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS: ALCAINE™ ophthalmic solution should be considered contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS: Occasional temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of proparacaine. Corneal edema has been reported following the use of proparacaine. A rare, severe, immediate-type, apparently hyperallergic corneal reaction characterized by acute, intense and diffuse epithelial keratitis, a gray, ground glass appearance, sloughing of large areas of necrotic epithelium, corneal filaments and, sometimes, iritis with descemetitis has been reported.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.