Dosing and uses of Alcaine, Ophthaine (proparacaine ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.5%
Foreign Bodies & Suture Removal
1-2 gtt in eye(s) just prior to procedures
Deep Ophthalmic Anesthesia
1 gtt 5-10 min for 5-7 doses totaL
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.5%
Foreign Bodies & Suture Removal
1-2 gtt in eye(s) just prior to procedures
Deep Ophthalmic Anesthesia
1 gtt 5-10 min for 5-7 doses totaL
Alcaine, Ophthaine (proparacaine ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Contact dermatitis
Corneal damage
Blurred vision
CNS depression
Conjunctival congestion
Corneal opacification
Increased diaphoresis
Pain
Burning
Stinging
Redness
Keratitis
Tearing
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivty to anesthetics (ester type)
Cautions
Use with caution and sparingly in patients with known allergies, cardiac disease, or hyperthyroidism
Any topical anesthetic can damage corneal epithelium; prolonged use not recommended
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not known if distributed in milk; use caution
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 Alcaine, Ophthaine (proparacaine ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Reversibly blocks nerve conduction near the site of application
May limit sodium ion permeability through the lipid layer of the nerve cell membrane
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 30 sec
Duration: 10-20 min
