Acular is used to temporarily relieve itching eyes caused by seasonal allergies. It is also used to prevent and treat eye swelling due to a certain type of eye surgery (cataract removal). 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.

How to use Acular Drops?

Apply this medication to the affected eye(s), usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

This medication should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

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 and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

Before using ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, previous eye surgery, other eye problems (e.g., dry eye syndrome, corneal problems), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, nasal polyps.

Along with its needed effects, medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

- Bleeding in the eye or redness or swelling of the eye or the eyelid (not present before you started using this medicine or becoming worse while you are using this medicine)

- Blurred vision or other change in vision

- Fever or chills

- Itching or tearing

- Nausea or vomiting

- Pain

- Sensitivity to light

- Shortness of breath

- Sticky or matted eyelashes

- Swelling of face

- Throbbing pain

- Tightness in chest

- Troubled breathing

What should I watch for?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

Giving Acular Drops to a child under 12

management or monitoring precaution: Safety and efficacy not established in pediatrics age < 3 years.

What other information should I know?

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.