Proparacaine Hydrochloride sterile eye drops is indicated for procedures in which a topical ophthalmic anesthetic is required: Short-duration corneal anesthesia, e.g., tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of corneal foreign bodies, and short corneal and conjunctival procedures.

The primary site of anesthetic action is the nerve cell membrane, where Proparacaine interferes with the rapid increase in membrane permeability to sodium ions that normally occurs during slight depolarization. As the anesthetic effect develops in a nerve, the threshold for electrical stimulation gradually increases and the safety factor for nerve conduction decreases. When the effect becomes sufficient, conduction is completely blocked. Studies suggest that local anesthetics reduce sodium ion permeability by closing the channels (pores) through which sodium ions pass in the lipid layer of the nerve cell membrane.

Deep anesthesia as in cataract extraction: Instill 1 drop to the eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses.

Removal of sutures: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye 2 or 3 minutes before removal of stitches.

Removal of foreign bodies: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye prior to operating.

Tonometry: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye immediately before measurement.

Proparacaine Hydrochloride sterile eye drops is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation.

Occasional temporary stinging, burning sensation, and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of Proparacaine. Rarely, severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur, presenting as acute, intense diffuse epithelial keratitis with a gray, ground-glass appearance, sloughing of large areas of necrotic epithelium, corneal filaments, and sometimes iritis with descemetitis.

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Proparacaine Hydrochloride sterile eye drops 0.5%. It is not known whether it can cause fetal harm or affect reproductive capacity. It should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk. Since many drugs pass into breast milk, caution should be taken when administering to nursing mothers.

Prolonged use of topical ocular anesthetics is not recommended, as it may lead to permanent corneal opacification with possible visual loss.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have been established in pediatric patients. Evidence supports use in adults and children over 12 years, and safety data is available in neonates and other pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.

Ocular perioperative drugs

Store bottles under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C and protect from light. Do not use more than 4 weeks after first opening. If the solution becomes more than faint yellow, it should not be used. Keep bottle tightly closed.