Ketorolac Ophthalmic (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Ketorolac ophthalmic is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. It also is used to treat swelling and redness (inflammation) that can occur after cataract surgery. Ketorolac ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It works by stopping the release of substances that cause allergy symptoms and inflammation.
How this medication should be used
Ketorolac ophthalmic comes as eyedrops. For allergy symptoms, one drop is usually applied to the affected eyes four times a day. For inflammation after cataract surgery, one drop is usually applied to the affected eye four times a day for 2 weeks beginning 24 hours after surgery. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ketorolac ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more than prescribed by your doctor.
Your allergy symptom (itchy eyes) should improve when you apply the eyedrops. If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen, call your doctor.
For treatment of itchy eyes caused by allergies, continue to use ketorolac ophthalmic until you are no longer exposed to the substance that causes your symptom, allergy season is over, or your doctor tells you to stop using it.
To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Remove the protective cap. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
- Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
- Lie down or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 -3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
Special precautions
Before using ketorolac eyedrops:
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ketorolac ophthalmic, aspirin, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as celexocib (Celebrex), diclofenec (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), ketorolac (Toradol), meclofenamate, mefenamic (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), Piroxicam (Feldene), refecoxib (Vioxx), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin); and vitamins or herbal products.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease or bleeding problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. You should not use ketorolac ophthalmic while wearing your soft contact lenses.
- use caution when driving or operating machinery because your vision may be blurred after inserting the drops.
What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Minor side effects
Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stinging and burning of the eyes
- blurry vision
Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using ketorolac ophthalmic and call your doctor immediately:
- redness or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or skin
- infection in or around the eye
- skin rash, hives, or skin changes
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Acular®