Proparacaine (Ophthalmic)

Proparacaine eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery, certain tests, or procedures. The eye drops help prevent pain during the procedure.

Proparacaine is part of a group of medicines known as local anesthetics. It works by blocking pain signals at the nerve endings in the eye.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of an eye doctor.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while you or your child are using this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and whether you should keep using it.

It is very important to protect your eye from injury while it is still numb. Do not touch or rub the eye. Do not use any extra eye drops in the eye until your doctor advises you to. Protect your eye from dust particles, sand, or anything that might cause irritation.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of proparacaine eye drops.

Geriatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of proparacaine eye drops.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Heart disease or
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—This may make side effects worse.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can also cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects happen:

Rare

• Blurred vision
• Redness of the clear part of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Severe stinging in the eye
• Tearing
• Throbbing eye pain

Incidence not known

• Bloody eye
• Burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation of the eye
• Change in vision

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Dry skin with cracking
• Grooves or lines in the skin of the fingertips
• Skin rash, hives, itching, or redness

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

In the U.S.

• Alcaine
• Ocu-Caine
• Ophthetic
• Parcaine

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine. The eye drops are placed directly in the eye just before your eye procedure.

This medicine is not for long-term use. Using this medicine for a longer time than needed may cause blurred vision, decreased vision, or blindness.