Proparacaine 0.5% Ophth Soln 15ml

Proparacaine is a local anesthetic of the ester type. It stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses, thereby producing local anesthesia. It blocks nerve impulse conduction by decreasing the permeability of the neuronal membrane to sodium ions.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation

Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Burning or stinging
- Redness

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions or exacerbate underlying health issues.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken safely with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. When using this drug, exercise caution while driving or performing tasks that require clear vision to ensure your safety. To avoid any potential complications, refrain from touching or rubbing your eye while it is numb from the medication. This medication is intended for short-term use only, as prolonged use may lead to a serious eye condition that can result in vision loss. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Sulfonamides (topical ophthalmic): May be inhibited by para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a metabolite of ester-type local anesthetics like proparacaine. Avoid concurrent use if possible.

• Stinging or burning upon instillation (common, usually transient)
• Redness or irritation of the eye
• Blurred vision
• Itching or swelling of the eyelids
• Persistent pain or discomfort after the anesthetic effect should have worn off
• Any signs of infection (e.g., discharge, increased pain, worsening redness)

Proparacaine is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Systemic absorption from ophthalmic use is minimal.

Proparacaine is considered L3 (Moderately Safe) for lactation. Due to minimal systemic absorption, it is unlikely to be excreted in breast milk in clinically significant amounts. Caution is advised, but generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Proparacaine ophthalmic solution has been used safely in pediatric patients for diagnostic and minor surgical procedures. Dosing is generally similar to adults, but caution should be exercised, especially in very young infants, due to potential for increased systemic absorption or sensitivity.

No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for geriatric patients. The systemic absorption is minimal, so age-related changes in renal or hepatic function are unlikely to significantly impact drug clearance or safety. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing ocular conditions.

• Proparacaine is for diagnostic and short-term therapeutic procedures only; it is NOT for prolonged self-administration for pain relief due to the risk of severe corneal damage (e.g., corneal opacification, ulceration, perforation).
• Patients should be warned not to rub or touch their eyes while numb to prevent inadvertent injury.
• Advise patients to avoid wearing contact lenses until the anesthetic effect has completely worn off.
• Store the solution in the refrigerator and protect from light to maintain potency.
• Always check the expiration date; degraded solutions may be less effective or cause irritation.

• Tetracaine ophthalmic solution (another ester-type local anesthetic)
• Lidocaine ophthalmic solution (an amide-type local anesthetic, less common for topical ophthalmic use but available in some formulations)
• Benoxinate ophthalmic solution (often combined with fluorescein for diagnostic purposes)

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed to someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly: do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time of ingestion to ensure prompt and effective treatment.