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ketorolac ophthalmic

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Brand names: Acular

NSAID (Ophthalmic) Rx

Acular LS eye drops help reduce pain, burning, and stinging in your eyes after surgery to correct your vision. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$53.10/unit

Generic Available

No

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective November 20, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

What it does

Acular LS eye drops treat pain, burning, and stinging in the eye.

Common side effects

Eye redness, Corneal infiltrates, Headache

Key warnings

Acular LS may slow or delay healing.

How It Works

Acular LS is an NSAID that reduces substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. It blocks the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling.

How to Take It

Use one drop of Acular LS in your operated eye. Do this 4 times a day as needed for pain, burning, or stinging. Use it for up to 4 days after surgery. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before using Acular LS.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known if Acular LS will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Acular LS passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Storage

Store Acular LS at room temperature, between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C), and protect it from light.

Serious Warnings

Acular LS may slow or delay healing. Be careful if you are sensitive to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Acular LS may increase bleeding time. Using NSAIDs like Acular LS may cause cornea problems. If you have issues with the cornea, stop using the drops and see your doctor.

Common Questions

Can I use Acular LS for any type of eye pain?
Acular LS is specifically for pain, burning, and stinging after corneal refractive surgery.
How long can I use Acular LS after opening the bottle?
You can use Acular LS until the expiration date printed on the bottle, even after opening it.
What should I do if the tip of the bottle touches my eye?
Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch your eye or any surrounding surfaces to avoid contamination.
Can I use Acular LS with my contact lenses?
The drug label does not specifically address contact lens use. Consult your doctor.
What if my pain gets worse while using Acular LS?
Tell your doctor if your pain gets worse or does not improve.
Can I drive while using Acular LS?
Acular LS may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear.
Is it okay to use Acular LS long-term?
Using Acular LS for more than 14 days after surgery may increase your risk of cornea problems.
What should I do if I experience eye swelling or redness?
Eye swelling and redness are less common side effects. If they occur or worsen, contact your doctor.
Can children use Acular LS?
Acular LS has not been studied in children under 3 years old. Talk to your doctor before giving this medicine to a child.
What if I am allergic to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen?
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Acular LS.
What are the common side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic?
The most commonly reported side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic include Eye redness, Corneal infiltrates, Headache, Swelling of the eye, Eye pain. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
What drug class is ketorolac ophthalmic?
ketorolac ophthalmic belongs to the NSAID (Ophthalmic) drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Acular LS eye drops treat pain, burning, and stinging in the eye.
Is ketorolac ophthalmic safe during pregnancy?
It is not known if Acular LS will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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What the FDA Data Shows for ketorolac ophthalmic

The FDA label for ketorolac ophthalmic (sold under brand names such as Acular) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the NSAID (Ophthalmic) class. Acular LS eye drops treat pain, burning, and stinging in the eye. Official labeling lists 5 commonly reported side effects, including Eye redness, Corneal infiltrates, Headache.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. Voluntary reports accumulate over the lifetime of a drug and reflect wide-ranging clinical use. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS.

Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: June 21, 2024

All federal data sources used on this page