Proparacaine (Alcaine)

Category:

• Local anesthetic

Description:

• Ophthalmic local anesthetic

Indications:

• Corneal anesthesia of short duration for tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of foreign bodies and sutures

• Short corneal and conjunctival procedures

• Cataract surgery

• Conjunctival and corneal scraping for diagnostic purposes

• Paracentesis of anterior chamber

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Debilitated, elderly, acutely ill patients

• Reduced plasma esterase, cardiac disease

• Hyperthyroidism, children

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• EENT: Conjunctival congestion and hemorrhage, cycloplegia, hyperallergic corneal reaction, local irritation, pupillary dilation, softening and erosion of corneal epithelium, stinging

Dosage:

Administered topically (ophthalmic)

• Deep anesthesia (e.g., cataract extraction): 

  • 1 drop every 5-10 minutes for 5-7 doses

• Removal of sutures or foreign bodies, tonometry: 

  • 1-2 drops 2-3 minutes before procedure