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Ophthaine

Generic name: proparacaine ophthalmic

Brand names: Alcaine, AK-Taine, Ocu-Caine, Ophthaine, Ophthetic, Parcaine

Used for surgery
Last updated November 3, 2026 0 views
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What is Ophthaine?

Ophthaine (for the eyes) is a numbing medicine that helps prepare the eyes for an eye exam, surgery, or other procedures.

Ophthaine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I use Ophthaine?

Ophthaine is mostly used in a doctor's office or during surgery.

Ophthaine is typically given in just one dose for an eye exam or procedure.

For eye surgery, you might receive several doses before and during the surgery.

A healthcare provider will administer Ophthaine to you.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

Avoid touching your eye until the numbing effects of Ophthaine have completely worn off.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Ophthaine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • allergies;
  • heart problems; or
  • an overactive thyroid.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Ophthaine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Inform your caregivers immediately if you experience severe burning, stinging, or irritation in your eyes after using Ophthaine eyedrops.

Ophthaine may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

  • slow healing after eye surgery;
  • changes in your vision; or
  • feeling restless or nervous followed by depression.

Common side effects of Ophthaine may include:

  • redness in the eyes or mild discomfort;
  • watery eyes; or
  • increased winking.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Reach out to your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Ophthaine is used as needed and given by a healthcare provider, you will not miss a dose.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Ophthaine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Do not touch your eye until the numbing effects of this medicine have completely worn off.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or make your eyes very sensitive to light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that needs clear vision.

You may need to protect your eyes from bright light for a short time after being treated with Ophthaine.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Ophthaine?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.