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Ketorolac Ophthalmic

(kee toe role' ak)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Ketorolac ophthalmic is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. It also is used to treat swelling and redness (inflammation) that can occur after cataract surgery. Ketorolac ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the release of substances that cause allergy symptoms and inflammation.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Ketorolac ophthalmic comes as eyedrops. For allergy symptoms, one drop is usually applied to the affected eyes four times a day. For inflammation after cataract surgery, one drop is usually applied to the affected eye four times a day for 2 weeks beginning 24 hours after surgery. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ketorolac ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more than prescribed by your doctor.

Your allergy symptom (itchy eyes) should improve when you apply the eyedrops. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, call your doctor.

For treatment of itchy eyes caused by allergies, continue to use ketorolac ophthalmic until you are no longer exposed to the substance that causes your symptom, allergy season is over, or your doctor tells you to stop using it.

To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Remove the protective cap. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 to 3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before using ketorolac eyedrops,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ketorolac ophthalmic, aspirin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), ketorolac (Toradol), meclofenamate, mefenamic (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), Piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease or bleeding problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. You should not use ketorolac ophthalmic while wearing your soft contact lenses.
• use caution when driving or operating machinery because your vision may be blurred after inserting the drops.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stinging and burning of the eyes
• blurry vision

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using ketorolac ophthalmic and call your doctor immediately:

• redness or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or skin
• infection in or around the eye
• skin rash, hives, or skin changes
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

If someone swallows ketorolac eyedrops, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Revised - 03/01/2009

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

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