Why is this medication prescribed?

Acuvail, which is a brand name for ketorolac ophthalmic solution, is used to reduce inflammation and pain in the eyes. It’s commonly prescribed after eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery, or for other conditions that involve eye inflammation. The medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation and pain.

How should this medicine be used?

To use Acuvail (ketorolac ophthalmic solution) properly, follow these steps:

• Wash Your Hands: Clean your hands thoroughly to avoid introducing any bacteria into your eye.
• Shake the Bottle: Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Position Yourself: Tilt your head back and use one hand to gently pull down the lower eyelid, creating a small pocket.
• Apply the Drops: Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Avoid letting the dropper touch your eye or eyelid to keep it clean.
• Close Your Eye: After applying the drops, close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) for about one minute. This helps to keep the medication in the eye and reduce drainage.
• Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub or touch your eye after applying the drops.
• Store Properly: Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it at room temperature, away from light.
• Follow Dosage Instructions: Use Acuvail exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosing is typically twice a day, but follow the specific instructions given to you.

If you have any questions about using Acuvail or if you experience any side effects, consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Acuvail (ketorolac ophthalmic solution) is primarily used to reduce inflammation and pain in the eyes, typically after surgery or for conditions involving eye inflammation. However, it’s also sometimes used for other eye conditions as directed by a healthcare provider

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Using Acuvail:

• Allergic Reactions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergies to NSAIDs or other medications. Some people might experience allergic reactions to ketorolac.
• Contact Lens Use: Avoid using Acuvail while wearing contact lenses, unless directed otherwise. The medication is not typically intended for use with contact lenses.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Let your doctor know if you have any pre-existing eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, corneal damage, or a history of eye infections, as ketorolac could potentially exacerbate these issues.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as there could be interactions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of ketorolac in these situations should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
• Side Effects: Report any unusual symptoms such as eye pain, redness, swelling, or vision changes to your healthcare provider. These could be signs of a serious reaction.
• Infection Risk: Be cautious about contamination. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye or hands, to avoid contamination.
• Avoid Overuse: Use the medication exactly as prescribed. Overuse or misuse of ketorolac can increase the risk of side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience any problems while using Acuvail.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Acuvail. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and follow any general health recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
• Skip If Close to Next Dose: If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Avoid Doubling Up: Do not apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Acuvail (ketorolac ophthalmic solution) can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

• Eye Irritation: This may include burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling in the eye after applying the drops.
• Redness: Mild redness of the eye or surrounding area may occur.
• Tearing: You might experience increased tearing or watery eyes.
• Dry Eye: Some people may feel their eyes are dryer than usual.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurred vision may happen right after application.

Less common but more serious side effects include:

• Eye Pain or Discomfort: Persistent or severe eye pain or discomfort should be reported to your doctor.
• Swelling or Redness: Severe swelling or redness of the eye, eyelid, or surrounding areas.
• Vision Changes: Any significant changes in vision, such as loss of vision, should be reported immediately.
• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms like rash, itching, or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat, can indicate an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.
• Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as eye discharge, increased pain, or worsening redness could indicate an infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Always report any new or worsening symptoms to ensure appropriate care.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Acuvail:

• Storage:
  • Temperature: Store Acuvail at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
  • Light: Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight.
  • Sealing: Ensure the bottle is tightly closed when not in use.
  • Children: Keep the medication out of reach of children.
• Disposal:
  • Do Not Flush: Do not flush Acuvail down the toilet or pour it into a drain.
  • Return to Pharmacy: If you have unused or expired medication, take it to a pharmacy take-back program or follow local guidelines for medication disposal.
  • Household Disposal: If no take-back program is available, you may dispose of the medication in the household trash, but first mix it with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds) in a sealed bag to prevent misuse.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact Healthcare Provider: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Call Poison Control: For guidance on handling medication overdoses, you can call your local poison control center or emergency services.
• Symptoms: An overdose of Acuvail might cause more severe eye irritation or other symptoms. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms after applying the medication, seek medical help promptly.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Instructions: Always use Acuvail exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to maximize its benefits and minimize risks.
• Regular Check-ups: Attend any follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications or treatments you are using. Inform your healthcare provider of all your current medications and medical conditions.
• Report Issues: Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure appropriate management and care.

Always refer to the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or included with the medication for the most accurate and personalized information.