Why is this medication prescribed?
Ketorolac ophthalmic is a medication that is prescribed for the treatment of inflammation and pain in the eye following certain surgical procedures. It belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ketorolac ophthalmic works by inhibiting the production of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain.
After certain eye surgeries, such as cataract removal or corneal refractive surgery, inflammation can occur as part of the healing process. This inflammation can lead to discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye. Ketorolac ophthalmic is used to help reduce these symptoms and promote healing by suppressing the inflammatory response.
How should this medicine be used?
Ketorolac ophthalmic should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The following general guidelines may apply, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and read the medication label for specific dosing and administration information:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Hold the bottle of eye drops upside down and squeeze it gently to instill the prescribed number of drops into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Be careful not to touch your eye or any other surfaces with the tip of the bottle.
- Release the lower eyelid and close your eye gently. Do not blink immediately after instilling the eye drops, as it may cause the medication to come out of the eye.
- If you are using other eye medications, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between administering different eye drops. This allows each medication to be absorbed properly.
- After using the eye drops, wipe away any excess medication from the skin around the eye with a clean tissue.
- Wash your hands again to remove any residue.
It’s important to use Ketorolac ophthalmic regularly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. If you have any questions or concerns about the proper use of this medication, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for clarification.
Other uses for this medicine
Ketorolac ophthalmic is primarily used for the treatment of inflammation and pain in the eye following certain surgical procedures, as mentioned earlier. However, it’s worth noting that the use of Ketorolac ophthalmic for other conditions or purposes would be considered off-label, meaning it hasn’t been specifically approved for those uses by regulatory authorities.
What special precautions should I follow?
As for special precautions, here are some important considerations when using Ketorolac ophthalmic:
- Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to ketorolac or any other NSAIDs. Allergic reactions to this medication can be severe and may include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Eye conditions: If you have certain eye conditions such as a history of bleeding or ulcers in the eye, dry eye syndrome, or other eye disorders, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor before using Ketorolac ophthalmic. They will evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using the medication in your specific situation.
- Systemic effects: Although Ketorolac ophthalmic is applied topically to the eye, some of the medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means there is a possibility of systemic side effects similar to those associated with oral NSAIDs. Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney problems, bleeding disorders, or if you are taking other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Contact lenses: It is generally recommended to remove contact lenses before using Ketorolac ophthalmic eye drops. You should wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before reinserting the contact lenses after using the medication.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the use of Ketorolac ophthalmic with your healthcare provider. The medication may have potential risks, and your doctor will weigh the benefits against the potential harm to you and your baby.
These precautions are not exhaustive, and it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a comprehensive understanding of the specific precautions, potential side effects, and drug interactions associated with Ketorolac ophthalmic based on your individual circumstances.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Ketorolac ophthalmic is an eye drop medication that is typically applied directly to the eye. Therefore, it does not have any specific dietary instructions associated with its use. You can continue with your normal diet while using Ketorolac ophthalmic.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget to use a dose of Ketorolac ophthalmic, you should apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Ketorolac ophthalmic, like any medication, can cause side effects. Not everyone using the medication will experience side effects, but it’s important to be aware of them. Common side effects of Ketorolac ophthalmic may include:
- Eye irritation or discomfort
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eye
- Itching or redness of the eye
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eye discharge
- Headache
These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience any other bothersome or severe side effects, it is important to seek medical attention.
Serious side effects with Ketorolac ophthalmic are rare, but they can occur. Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe eye pain
- Eye swelling or inflammation
- Changes in vision
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Some individuals may experience other side effects that are not mentioned here. If you have any concerns or questions about the side effects associated with Ketorolac ophthalmic, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Storage and disposal of Ketorolac Ophthalmic:
- Store Ketorolac ophthalmic eye drops at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Follow the specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer or as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Do not use Ketorolac ophthalmic if it has expired or if the liquid has changed color or consistency. Discard any unused or expired medication properly.
In case of emergency/overdose
- In the event of an emergency or accidental ingestion of Ketorolac ophthalmic, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- If you have applied too many drops of Ketorolac ophthalmic to your eye, or if you suspect an overdose, rinse your eye(s) with water or saline solution and seek medical attention promptly.
What other information should I know?
- Before using Ketorolac ophthalmic, inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal products, that you are taking or plan to take. This will help avoid potential drug interactions.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your eye care specialist or healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to address any concerns or questions you may have.
- It’s essential to use Ketorolac ophthalmic as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. Using more than the prescribed amount can increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits.
- If you experience any new symptoms or worsening of existing symptoms while using Ketorolac ophthalmic, inform your healthcare provider promptly.
- Do not share your medication with others, even if they have similar eye conditions, as it may not be suitable for their specific situation.
Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and read the medication leaflet for comprehensive information about Ketorolac ophthalmic, including precautions, warnings, and possible drug interactions.
