This medication is used to treat eye pain and swelling
(inflammation) after cataract surgery. Ketorolac belongs to a class of
drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by
blocking certain natural substances in your body to reduce pain and
swelling.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually twice daily starting 1 day before surgery,
continuing on the day of surgery, and then for 2 weeks after
surgery.
To apply eye medication, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication.
Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and
check with your doctor before you begin using them again.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and
place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle
pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the
medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your
eye.
For single-use vials, open the vial right before use.
After use, discard any remaining solution right away. Do not keep an opened
vial for later use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes between applying each
medication. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Do not use this medication more often or for longer than
directed by your doctor. This medication is usually used only for a short
time. Prolonged use may slow or delay healing and may increase your chance
of serious side effects.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or if it gets
worse (for example, you develop worsening eye
pain/itching/swelling).
This medication may sting or burn your eyes for 1-2
minutes when applied. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling
- vision changes (such as decreased vision)
- bleeding inside the eye
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin; or to other NSAIDs (such as
ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after
taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
- bleeding problems
- recent multiple eye surgeries
- other eye problems (such as dry eye syndrome, cornea
problems)
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
- nasal polyps
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
If you develop an eye infection or injury, ask your
doctor if you should continue to use this medication.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but
it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when
used with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include
anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as
dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine
labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever
reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen). These drugs are
similar to ketorolac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken
together. However, if your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to
prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you
should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless told
to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that
case.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light. Store the
single-use vials in the pouch provided and fold the pouch ends closed. Keep
all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.