Pronunciation:

proe-PAR-a-kane

Brand Names:

• Alcaine
• Ocu-Caine
• Ophthetic
• Parcaine

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Anesthetic, Local

Chemical—

Amino Ester

Uses of This Medicine:

Proparacaine eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery, certain tests, or procedures. The eye drops are used to prevent pain during the procedure.

Proparacaine belongs to the group of medicines called local anesthetics. It works by blocking the pain signals at the nerve endings in the eye.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of an eye doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of proparacaine eye drops in children.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of proparacaine eye drops in the elderly.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease or
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—May cause side effects to become worse.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine. The eye drops are placed directly in the eye just before your eye procedure.

This medicine is not for long-term use. Using this medicine for a longer time than needed may cause blurred vision, decreased vision, or blindness.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

It is very important to protect your eye from injury while it is still numb. Do not touch or rub the eye. Do not use additional eye drops in the eye until your doctor tells you to. Protect your eye from dust particles, sand, or anything that might cause irritation.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Blurred vision

redness of the clear part of the eye

sensitivity to light

severe stinging in the eye

tearing

throbbing eye pain

Incidence not known

Bloody eye

burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation of the eye

change in vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Dry skin with cracking

grooves or lines in the skin of the fingertips

skin rash, hives, itching, or redness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: