Alcaine

Alcaine eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery and before certain tests or procedures. The eye drops are used to prevent pain during the procedure.

Proparacaine belongs to a group of medications called local anaesthetics. It works by blocking the pain signals at the nerve endings in the eye.

This medication is to be administered only by or under direct supervision of an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).

This product is available in the following forms:

• Solution

As with all medicines, the risks of using Alcaine must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
• Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. However, no pediatric-related problems have been documented.
• Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.
• Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

• Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. 

  Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Heart disease

  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) - May cause side effects to become worse.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you Alcaine.

This medication is given by applying the correct number of drops to the surface of the eye in the area of the planned procedure.

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving Alcaine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medication is working properly and decide if you should continue to receive it.

It is very important to protect your eye from injury while it is numb. Do not touch or rub the eye. Do not use additional eye drops until your doctor tells you to. Protect your eye from dust particles, sand or anything that may cause irritation.

Alcaine may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

Rare

• Blurred vision (ongoing)
• Redness to the clear part of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Severe stinging in the eye
• Tearing
• Throbbing eye pain

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.