Generic name: ketorolac ophthalmic [ KEE-toe-ROLE-ak-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Acular, Acular LS, Acuvail
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 10, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Acular?

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Acular (for the eye) is used to relieve eye itching caused by seasonal allergies.

Acular is also used to reduce swelling, pain, and burning or stinging after cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery.

Acular may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acular side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Acular may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;

• a wound that will not heal;

• eye pain, redness, or watering;

• vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;

• white patches on your eyes; or

• crusting or drainage from your eyes.

Common side effects of Acular may include:

• mild eye pain, stinging, or redness;

• blurred vision;

• watery eyes;

• swollen or puffy eyelids; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Acular if you are allergic to ketorolac. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

To make sure Acular is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• diabetes;

• arthritis;

• glaucoma;

• dry eye syndrome; or

• a condition for which you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ketorolac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Acular?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Acular is used 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the condition you are treating. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Prolonged use of NSAID eye drops can lead to serious damage to your eyesight.

For cataract surgery you will begin using the eye drops 1 day before surgery and continue for up to 2 weeks afterward. For corneal refractive surgery the usual dosage is 4 times daily for up to 4 days after surgery.

Do not use Acular while you are wearing contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• If using this medicine after single-eye surgery, use the drops only in the eye you are having surgery on.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for use in one eye only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in the vial.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If your medicine vials come in a foil pouch, store the vials inside the pouch and fold the ends closed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Acular is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using ketorolac ophthalmic?

While using this medication, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Acular?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ketorolac used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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