Acuvail Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Acuvail Eye Drops contain ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in a preservative-free ophthalmic solution. It is a prescription medicine used to reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort after cataract surgery, and to treat eye itchiness caused by seasonal allergies. Acuvail works by blocking substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain. It is supplied in single-dose, preservative-free vials.

What is Acuvail Eye Drops

Acuvail is a prescription, preservative-free eye drop containing ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the eye.

Acuvail Eye Drops uses

• Reduce swelling, pain, and burning or stinging after cataract surgery
• Manage pain, irritation, and inflammation following lens replacement surgery
• Treat itchiness in the eyes caused by allergies (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis)
• Supports postoperative symptom management

Benefits of Acuvail Eye Drops

• Comes in preservative-free single-dose vials, which may be less irritating for eyes healing after surgery
• Helps reduce eye swelling, pain, and discomfort after cataract surgery
• Provides a preservative-free ophthalmic formulation
• Can be used alongside selected postoperative eye medications

How Acuvail Eye Drops works

Acuvail works by blocking substances in the body (prostaglandins) that cause inflammation and pain, which helps reduce swelling and discomfort in the eye.

Acuvail Eye Drops dosage

Use this medicine only in the eye your doctor has directed, exactly as prescribed, and do not use it longer than recommended. Wash your hands before opening and using the eye drops. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket, and place one drop into the pocket without letting the dropper tip touch your eye, fingers, or any surface. After applying a drop, gently press a finger to the inner corner of your eye for about a minute to stop the liquid draining into your tear duct.

Once you open a single-dose vial, use it right away and throw away any leftover liquid; do not save it for later. If you use other eye medicines, wait at least 5 minutes between applying each one, and use drops before ointments. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment unless your doctor says it is okay; wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting lenses back in. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not double up. Do not use the drops if the liquid has changed color or has particles in it; contact your doctor for a new prescription. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 2 years old.

Available forms and strengths

• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops), single-dose preservative-free vials

Side effects of Acuvail Eye Drops

Common

• Temporary burning, stinging, or discomfort when applied
• Blurred vision (usually temporary)
• Increased pressure inside the eye
• Eye redness
• A red spot on the eye from a broken blood vessel
• Fluid buildup in the eye
• Increased tearing
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen or puffy eyelids

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Eye problems such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis), corneal erosion, or corneal ulcer
• Bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop
• Severe eye redness, itchiness, pain, or swelling
• Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
• Vision changes that do not go away, such as blurry vision or light sensitivity
• White patches, crusting, or drainage from the eyes
• Breathing difficulties or worsening of asthma
• Slow or delayed wound healing in the eye, especially when used with steroid eye drops

Warnings and precautions

• Using this medicine longer than prescribed, or using it more than a day before surgery or more than two weeks after, can increase the risk of serious eye side effects such as corneal thinning or breakdown
• This medicine may increase bleeding in or around the eye, especially during surgery, and the risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• This medicine may slow down healing of the eye after surgery, especially if used together with steroid eye drops
• If the single-use vial becomes contaminated, it could cause a serious eye infection that may lead to vision loss
• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ketorolac or other NSAIDs; people allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs may also react to this medicine, which can cause severe breathing problems, especially with a history of asthma
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment unless your doctor approves
• It is not known whether this medicine could harm an unborn baby, because there isn't enough information from human use. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using it.
• No specific renal dosage adjustment is established for ophthalmic Acuvail. Significant kidney disease should be considered during medication review.
• It isn't known whether alcohol affects this medicine, so ask your doctor before drinking.
• This medicine can cause temporary blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.

Storage

• Store Acuvail at room temperature away from heat and moisture
• Store the vials in the pouch, protected from light
• Fold the pouch ends closed
• Once opened, use the eye drops immediately and discard any remaining contents in the eye drop vials. The vials are for single use only

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe eye burning, stinging, or itching; eye pain, redness, or watering; vision changes; increased light sensitivity; white patches on the eye; or crusting or drainage from the eye
• Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of bleeding, such as bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop
• Contact your doctor right away if you have eye redness, itchiness, pain, eyelid swelling, dryness, watering, discharge, or vision changes that don't go away
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, get emergency medical help right away

Alternatives

• Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution
• Generic Ketorolac Ophthalmic Solution
• Acular LS
• Acular