fluorescein/proparacaine ophthalmic (Fluoracaine)
Dosing and uses of Fluoracaine (fluorescein/proparacaine ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
fluorescein/proparacaine ophthalmic
ophthalmic solution
- 0.25/0.5%
Ophthalmic Anesthesia
Provides topical ophthalmic anesthesia with a disclosing agent for short corneal and conjunctival procedures
1 drop in each eye q 5-10 minutes x5-7 doses
Other Information
Use of an eye patch is recommended
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety and efficacy not established
Fluoracaine (fluorescein/proparacaine ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Transient local stinging
Transient local burning
Conjunctival redness
Severe, immediate allergic corneal reaction (rare)
Allergic contact dermatitis (rare)
Conjunctival congestion (rare)
Conjunctival hemorrhage (rare)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to either component or to similar drugs
Cautions
Prolonged use not recommended as may diminish duration of anesthesia, retard wound healing, and cause corneal infection and/or opacification with accompanying permanent visual loss or corneal perforation
Systemic toxicity (CNS stimulation followed by CNS and cardiovascular depression) possible but rare
Protection of the eye from other irritating chemicals, foreign bodies, and rubbing during the period of anesthesia is very important
Use cautiously and sparingly in patients with known allergies, cardiac disease, or hyperthyroidism
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C Administer in pregnancy only if clearly needed
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, caution advised
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 Fluoracaine (fluorescein/proparacaine ophthalmic)
Onset: 30 sec
Duration: 10-20 min
Mechanism of action
Fluorescein sodium: contact with aqueous humor increases intensity of green fluorescence
Proparacaine hydrochloride: topical anesthetics stabilize neuronal membrane so neuron is less permeable to ions, preventing initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, producing local anesthetic action
