Ketorolac ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is used to relieve itching and inflammation of the eyes caused by allergic reactions and to reduce inflammation and pain following eye surgery.

Ketorolac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use ketorolac ophthalmic exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying ketorolac ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if prescribed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

It is important to use ketorolac ophthalmic regularly to get the most benefit.

Store ketorolac ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with ketorolac ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ketorolac ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying ketorolac ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with ketorolac ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. If you suspect an overdose or if the drops have been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next regularly schedule dose as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Before using ketorolac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you

• an eye infection;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• a stomach ulcer.

You may not be able to use ketorolac ophthalmic, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ketorolac ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ketorolac ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use ketorolac ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about ketorolac ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is available under the brand names Acular and Acular LS. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Acular--0.05% solution

• Acular LS--0.04% solution