Uses

What is ketorolac ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Ketorolac ophthalmic is commonly used for the following conditions.

Ketorolac ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does ketorolac ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Ketorolac ophthalmic is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking certain substances that lead to inflammation, which helps to relieve swelling and pain in the eye.

How is ketorolac ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Ketorolac ophthalmic is available as Acular, Acular LS, and generic ketorolac ophthalmic in the following dosage forms that are applied to the eye.

  • 0.4% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops

See Ketorolac and Acuvail (ketorolac) for information on other dosage forms.

How should I store ketorolac ophthalmic?

Ketorolac ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and protect it from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ketorolac ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bleeding. Ketorolac ophthalmic may raise the risk of bleeding in the eye, especially during eye surgery. Your risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.

Severe Eye Problems. Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause eye problems, such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. When using for eye surgery, using ketorolac ophthalmic for more than a day before surgery or for more than 14 days after surgery could increase the risk or severity of corneal side effects. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes that do not go away, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ketorolac ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ketorolac ophthalmic.

  • Acular 
  • Acular LS
  • Ketorolac
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ketorolac ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about ketorolac ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use ketorolac ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ketorolac ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ketorolac ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your ketorolac eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or need eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eye, blurry vision, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops. Keep all appointments following cataract surgery so that your healthcare provider can check how well your eye is healing. 

Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with ketorolac ophthalmic. If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider about when you can start using them again.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ketorolac ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ketorolac ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Eye surgeries, especially if you’ve had problems with eye surgeries or multiple eye surgeries within a short time period
  • Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye) or eye surface, such as dry eye syndrome
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ketorolac ophthalmic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using ketorolac ophthalmic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Aspirin or NSAID Allergy. Some people who have an allergy to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be allergic to ketorolac ophthalmic. This can result in severe breathing problems, especially in people with a history of asthma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. They can help decide if it is safe for you to use ketorolac ophthalmic.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ketorolac ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ketorolac ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ketorolac ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ketorolac ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ketorolac ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ketorolac ophthalmic.

Does ketorolac ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you take any other medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ketorolac ophthalmic. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Ketorolac (Acular) ophthalmic interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ketorolac ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much ketorolac ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ketorolac ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.

Drug Survey

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