by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 24, 2010

What is ‘acular’?

Acular is a trade name used to describe an ophthalmic solution or in other words, an eye drop. The active ingredient in Acular is ketorolac tromethamine which is a chemical belonging to the group of drugs known as ‘non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs’ or in short, NSAIDs.

How is it available?

The drug is available as a sterile ophthalmic solution in an opaque white plastic bottle with a dropper.

What are the uses of ‘acular’?

The solution is used mainly to relieve the inflammation following seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in susceptible individuals although it is also widely used to prevent post-operative inflammation that may take place following cataract surgeries. The recommended use for Acular is generally for about 2 weeks and use beyond this time period should be done only with consultation with your doctor.

What are the possible side effects with ‘Acular’?

Although Acular is generally well tolerated, it can give rise to certain side effects including allergic manifestations in susceptible individuals. Among the commonest side effects that have been reported, the burning and stinging feeling while instilling the eye drop can be listed at top. Although this is a transient effect, persisting sensations of the same nature should prompt alternating into a different solution for the problem following seeking medical advice.

Even through rare, allergic manifestations can also take place with Acular and therefore symtoms such as itching of the skin, swelling of the lips, face and the throat, appearance of hives and breathing difficulties should prompt the need for urgent medical attention before the manifestations progress into life threatening anaphylactic reactions. But, it should again be emphasized that, such manifestations are rare and unless there is an obvious allergic history to this drug or any of its constituents, it can be instilled, of course with proper vigilance.

Apart from the most common and the most dangerous of the side effects mentioned above, there are several other side effects that can manifest with Acular. Among them, irritations in the eye, blurring of vision, redness, headache, swelling of the cornea…etc can also manifest in certain individuals.

When considering other side effects which would require medical interventions, reduced vision, pain in the eye, swelling around the eye, signs of infection in the eye, unusual bleeding should not be neglected and left to heal itself.

Lastly, the list of side effects mentioned above is not a complete list and should not be used as a guide in prescribing Acular without referring to the manufacturer literature for complete information in relation to its uses, side effects, contraindications…etc.

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