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

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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