Dosing and uses of Akten (lidocaine ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic geL
- 3.5%
Ocular Surface Anesthesia
Indicated for ocular surface anesthesia during ophthalmologic procedures
Instill 2 gtts in affected eye(s)
May be reapplied to maintain anesthetic effect
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic geL
- 3.5%
Ocular Surface Anesthesia
Indicated for ocular surface anesthesia during ophthalmologic procedures
Instill 2 gtts in affected eye(s)
May be reapplied to maintain anesthetic effect
Akten (lidocaine ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Conjunctival hyperemia
Corneal epithelial changes
Headache
Burning upon instillation
Warnings
Contraindications
None
Cautions
Not for injection; for ophthalmic use only
Caution with history of hypersensitivity to amide type anesthetic
Prolonged use of a topical ocular anesthetic may produce permanent corneal opacification and ulceration with accompanying visual loss
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Secreted in human breast milk; unlikely systemic exposure with ophthalmic application (see Pharmacology)
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Akten (lidocaine ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Elicits local anesthetic effect; stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses
Absorption
Minimal to no systemic absorption; depends on concentration, viscosity, and duration of exposure
Onset of action: 20 seconds to 1 minute
Duration of action: 5-30 minutes
Distribution
Protein bound: 60-80% (free base concentration of 1-4 mcg/mL)
Metabolism
Metabolized by the liver; metabolites are unchanged and excreted by the kidneys
Elimination
Half-life: 1.5-2 hr
