Opcaine

Uses

Opcaine is used for procedures in which a topical ophthalmic anesthetic is used for: corneal anesthesia of short duration, e.g. tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of corneal foreign bodies, and for short corneal and conjunctival procedures. It is also used for use prior to surgical operations such as cataract extraction.

Opcaine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Local anesthesia therapy

How Opcaine works

The exact mechanism whereby proparacaine and other local anesthetics influence the permeability of the cell membrane is unknown; however, several studies indicate that local anesthetics may limit sodium ion permeability through the lipid layer of the nerve cell membrane. Opcaine may alter epithelial sodium channels through interaction with channel protein residues. This limitation prevents the fundamental change necessary for the generation of the action potential.

Dosage

Opcaine dosage

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.

Side Effects

Occasional temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of Opcaine.

Precaution

Prolonged use of a topical ocular anesthetic is not recommended. It may produce permanent corneal opacification with accompanying visual loss.

Food Interaction

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Use in pregnancy: It is not known whether Opcaine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Opcaine should be administered to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Use in lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Opcaine is administered to a nursing mother.

Contraindication

Opcaine eye drops should be considered contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Opcaine Hydrochloride.

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of Opcaine ophthalmic solution in pediatric patients have been established. Use of Opcaine is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and children over the age of twelve, and safety information in neonates and other pediatric patients.

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

Storage Condition

Store bottles under refrigeration at 2° to 8° C & protect from light. It is desirable that the contents should not be used more than 4 weeks after first opening of the bottle. If solution shows more than a faint yellow color, it should not be used. Keep bottle tightly closed.

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