Common questions about Acular (FAQ)
Q: How quickly should I expect Acular to start working for eye pain?
Studies on Acular indicate that the maximum anti-inflammatory effect may take several hours to achieve. However, patients in studies have reported an easing of discomfort within a few hours of the first dose. Official product information states that the systemic (body-wide) absorption of the drug from the eye is very low.
Q: Does Acular help with the redness or just the discomfort?
Acular is indicated to treat postoperative inflammation and to relieve ocular itching from seasonal allergies. Acular acts against the inflammatory process, which is the cause of symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort, as stated in the product information.
Q: Is it safe to use Acular if I am also taking prescription allergy medication?
Official product information states that Acular can be safely used at the same time as many other eye medications, including common classes like alpha-agonists and beta-blockers. Official guidance indicates that if using another topical eye product, the drops should be administered at least five minutes apart to prevent one from washing out another.
Q: Can children use Acular drops, or is it only for adults?
The safety and effectiveness of the standard Acular 0.5% concentration have not been established in children younger than two years old by the FDA. Eligibility for pediatric patients depends on the specific formulation prescribed and should be based on official regulatory guidance.
Q: Is Acular safe for older patients with pre-existing health conditions?
Official information indicates that no overall difference in safety has been observed between older and younger adult patients. However, caution is advised for any patient with pre-existing high-risk conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis, as these conditions can increase the potential for certain side effects.
Q: What is the maximum duration someone can typically be prescribed Acular?
For inflammation after cataract surgery, the typical course prescribed is for two weeks post-operation. Official safety notes caution that using the medication beyond 14 days post-surgery may be associated with an increased risk for severe corneal adverse events.
Q: Is Acular used to treat seasonal allergies in the eye?
Yes, Acular is officially indicated for the temporary relief of ocular itching that is caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies).
Q: Can Acular be used in both eyes even if only one eye had surgery?
Official dosing instructions specify application to the affected eye(s). The decision for treating one or both eyes is based on the condition being addressed and the direction given in the product information.
Q: Can I use other lubricating eye drops while I am on Acular?
Yes, Acular can be used with other topical eye drops, including lubricating drops. Official guidance requires that they be instilled at least five minutes apart to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of each medication.
Q: Are the side effects of Acular drops common or rare?
The most frequent side effects, such as a transient stinging or burning sensation upon instillation, are considered very common, affecting up to 40% of patients in clinical trials. Other reactions like eye redness or corneal edema are generally classified as common, occurring in approximately 1% to 10% of patients.
Q: Is Acular available over the counter or is it prescription only?
Acular is a medication that is available only with a doctor's prescription (Rx only). It cannot be purchased over the counter.
Q: Can using Acular for a long time cause any lasting issues with my eyes?
Official safety information warns that prolonged use, particularly use beyond 14 days after ocular surgery, may be associated with an increased risk of serious corneal issues. These issues include epithelial breakdown and corneal thinning or ulceration.
Q: Does Acular have a generic version available?
Yes, the active ingredient in Acular is ketorolac tromethamine. Official regulatory listings confirm that there are generic versions of ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution available.
Q: Is it okay to drive after using Acular eye drops?
Official patient information advises that using any eye drop may cause a temporary visual disturbance, such as blurry vision. Patients experiencing visual disturbance are generally advised to refrain from driving or operating machinery until their vision has completely cleared.
Q: Do people often feel a dry mouth or other body effects from eye drops like Acular?
Clinical trial reports focus primarily on localized reactions at the site of application in the eye (e.g., stinging, pain, swelling). Systemic effects like dry mouth are not typically listed among the common or frequent adverse reactions for topical ophthalmic use.
Q: Does Acular contain any preservatives, and are they safe?
Yes, Acular contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride. This ingredient is noted in the official labeling because it has the potential to be absorbed by and discolor soft contact lenses.
Q: What is the difference between Acular and Acular LS?
The main difference between the two products is their concentration of the active ingredient, ketorolac tromethamine. Acular is the 0.5% concentration solution, while Acular LS is a lower-strength 0.4% concentration solution.
Q: Do people report increased light sensitivity while on Acular?
While the product information does not list photophobia (light sensitivity) as a frequent adverse effect, it does report other ocular issues like headache and iritis (inflammation of the colored part of the eye) which can sometimes contribute to light sensitivity.
Q: Does Acular impact my blood pressure or heart rate?
Official labeling notes that as a topical NSAID, Acular may interfere with blood clotting and cause a potential for increased bleeding time in the ocular tissues. However, the label does not report systemic effects on blood pressure or heart rate for this ophthalmic solution.
Q: How can I tell if my bottle of Acular has expired?
The specific expiration date is printed on the bottle label and/or the outer carton. Additionally, for multi-dose bottles, the solution must be discarded within 28 days or one month after opening, even if the printed expiration date is later.
Q: Can Acular be used while breastfeeding or during pregnancy?
The use of Acular during late pregnancy (the third trimester) is generally advised to be avoided due to the known effects of prostaglandin-inhibiting drugs on the developing fetal heart. For breastfeeding, it is not known if the drug is passed into human milk when given topically, and caution is advised.
Q: Are there any common vision changes people report while on Acular?
In addition to temporary blurry vision immediately after instillation, official adverse reaction reports include other vision-related events. These can include less frequent occurrences of corneal edema (swelling of the cornea) or iritis, both of which can affect vision.
