ALCAINE 0.5% Eye Drops

What is ALCAINE 0.5%

ALCAINE 0.5% (Proparacaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution) is a topical anesthetic eye drop used to produce short‑acting corneal and conjunctival anesthesia. It contains 0.5% proparacaine HCl (5 mg/mL) combined with preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (0.01%) and glycerin, in a pH‑balanced sterile solution :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

• Class: Amino‑ester ophthalmic local anesthetic.
• Formulation: 15 mL dropper bottle.
• Indications: Corneal anesthesia for short ophthalmic procedures—e.g., tonometry, gonioscopy, foreign body removal, corneal/conjunctival surgery :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Onset and Duration: Fast onset (~30 seconds) with effect lasting about 10–20 minutes :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Prescription-only: For use under direct supervision of an eye-care professional; not for self-administration or long-term use :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

How to use ALCAINE 0.5%

Use of ALCAINE 0.5% should be limited to clinical settings and overseen by a qualified ophthalmologist or healthcare provider.

• Inspect the bottle: Should be clear, straw‑colored. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or past expiration :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Refrigeration: Store between 2 °C and 8 °C; keep in original carton away from light :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Administration: Instill 1–2 drops into the conjunctival sac just before procedure. For longer procedures, repeat one drop every 5–10 minutes for up to 5–7 doses :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Post‑application care: Protect the eye (e.g., patch) while numb to prevent injury; avoid rubbing until sensation returns :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Mode of Action ALCAINE 0.5%

Proparacaine is an amino‑ester local anesthetic that blocks pain by competing at voltage-gated sodium channels.

• Sodium-channel blockade: Prevents nerve impulse conduction by blocking sodium influx into corneal and conjunctival sensory nerve endings :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Rapid onset: Anesthetic effect begins within ~30 seconds, lasting 10–20 minutes :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Topical action: Minimal systemic absorption; anesthesia localized to eye surface.
• Limited effect: No effect on eyes' motor or autonomic nerves; used exclusively for peripheral ocular procedures.

ALCAINE 0.5% Interactions ALCAINE 0.5%

Though systemic drug interactions are minimal, certain ocular scenarios require caution:

• Other topical eye drops: Using other topical anesthetics, cycloplegics, or steroids simultaneously may alter absorption or extend anesthesia; supervise frequency and timing carefully.
• Preservative caution: Contains benzalkonium chloride—avoid concurrent use with soft contact lenses or ocular surface‑sensitive medications.
• Eye surgery tools: Use should be coordinated to avoid toxic effects during extended procedures.
• Pediatric and elderly: Modify drop frequency based on corneal sensitivity and ocular surface health :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

No significant systemic drug interactions, but always review concurrent topical ocular agents.

Dosage of ALCAINE 0.5%

The dosage depends on procedure type and duration.

• Tonometry, gonioscopy, foreign body removal: 1–2 drops instilled once before procedure :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Short corneal/conjunctival procedures: 1 drop every 5–10 minutes as needed, with a maximum of 5–7 doses :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Special populations:
  • Pediatrics: Similar approach; dose at healthcare provider's discretion :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
  • Elderly: Age-related corneal thinning may warrant reduced frequency.
• Maximum use: Not recommended for prolonged use (>7 doses) due to risk of corneal toxicity and delayed healing :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Post‑application: Technician or nurse may reapply if procedure extends beyond anesthetic duration.

Possible side effects of ALCAINE 0.5%

Adverse effects are usually mild and transient:

• Common: Stinging or burning upon instillation; mild conjunctival redness :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Less common: Transient corneal epithelial edema, photophobia, tearing :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Rare but serious:
  • Allergic keratitis—necrosis of corneal epithelium with desquamation, filaments, or iritis :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
  • Allergic dermatitis—skin rash or fissuring of fingertips if contaminated :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Management: Monitor patients; discontinue immediately if symptoms like eye pain, blurred vision, or persistent redness occur; further ophthalmic evaluation is essential.

ALCAINE 0.5% Contraindications ALCAINE 0.5%

Use is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to proparacaine, benzalkonium chloride, or glycerin components :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Injection: Not for parenteral use—strictly topical ophthalmic only :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Prolonged or unsupervised use: May lead to corneal damage, opacification, vision loss :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

Use only under direct supervision and avoid use in patients with poor corneal epithelial health.

Storage of ALCAINE 0.5%

• Temperature: Store between 2 °C and 8 °C (36–46 °F); do not freeze :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Light protection: Keep in original carton, shielded from light :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Visual inspection: Discard if solution is darkened, cloudy, or particles appear :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Once opened: Use until expiration; discard any contaminated or unused portion—avoid multi-patient use :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Handling tips: Avoid touching dropper tip to prevent contamination or infection :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.