General Info: See Medication Administration Techniques for administration techniques for ophthalmic agents.
Consult health care professional regarding:
ADRs = adverse reactions.
Anesthetics
Uses: Provide brief local anesthesia to allow measurement of intraocular pressure, removal of foreign bodies, or other superficial procedures.
CAUTIONS: Repeated use may result in risk of CNS and cardiovascular toxicity; cross-sensitivity with some local anesthetics may occur.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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chlorprocaineIheezo | Adults: 3 drops of 3% gel (single dose). |
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lidocaineAkten | Adults and children: 2 drops of 3.5% gel (single dose). |
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proparacaineAlcaine | Adults and children: 12 drops of 0.5% solution (single dose). |
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tetracaineAltacaine | Adults: 12 drops of 0.5% solution (single dose). |
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Antihistamines
Uses: Various forms of allergic conjunctivitis.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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alcaftadineLastacaft [OTC] | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 1 drop of 0.25% solution once daily. |
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azelastine | Adults and children ≥3 yr: 1 drop of 0.05% solution twice daily. |
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bepotastineBepreve | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 1 drop of 1.5% solution twice daily. |
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cetirizineZerviate | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 1 drop of 0.24% solution twice daily (given 8 hr apart). |
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epinastine | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 1 drop of 0.05% solution twice daily. |
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ketotifenAcuvue TheravisionAlaway [OTC]Zaditor | Adults and children ≥3 yr: 1 drop of 0.025% solution twice daily (given 812 hr apart). Adults and children ≥11 yr: Drug-eluting contact lens: 1 lens in each eye once daily. |
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olopatadinePataday [OTC] | Adults and children ≥2 yr:0.1% solution: 1 drop twice daily (given 68 hr apart); 0.2% solution: 1 drop once daily; 0.7% solution: 1 drop once daily. |
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Antibacterials
Uses: Localized superficial ophthalmic infections (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis).
CAUTIONS: Small amounts may be absorbed and result in hypersensitivity reactions.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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azithromycinAzaSite | Adults and children ≥1 yr: 1 drop of 1% solution twice daily (given 812 hr apart) for 2 days, then once daily for 5 more days. |
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bacitracin | Adults and children:¼½-in. ointment strip every 34 hr for acute infections or 23 times daily for mild to moderate infections. |
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besifloxacinBesivance | Adults and children ≥1 yr: 1 drop of 0.6% suspension 3 times daily (given 412 hr apart) for 7 days. |
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ciprofloxacinCiloxan | Adults and children of all ages (solution) or ≥2 yr (ointment):Bacterial conjunctivitis: Solution: 12 drops of 0.3% solution every 2 hr while awake for 2 days, then every 4 hr while awake for 5 more days; Ointment: ½-in. strip 3 times daily for 2 days, then twice daily for 5 more days; Corneal ulcers: Solution: 2 drops of 0.3% solution every 15 min for 6 hr, then every 30 min while awake for rest of day, then every hr while awake for next 24 hr, then every 4 hr while awake for next 12 days or longer if re-epithelialization does not occur. |
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erythromycin | Adults and children:Treatment of infections: ½-in. ointment strip 26 times daily. Infants:Prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum: ½-in. ointment strip in each eye as a single dose. |
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gatifloxacinZymaxid | Adults and children ≥1 yr: 1 drop of 0.5% solution every 2 hr while awake (up to 8 times/day) for 1 day, then 24 times daily while awake for 6 more days. |
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gentamicin | Adults and children:Solution: 12 drops of 0.3% solution every 24 hr. |
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levofloxacin | Adults and children ≥6 yr: 12 drops of 0.5% solution every 2 hr while awake for 2 days (up to 8 times/day); then every 4 hr while awake for 5 more days (up to 4 times/day). |
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moxifloxacinVigamox | Adults and children: 1 drop of 0.5% solution 3 times daily for 7 days. |
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ofloxacinOcuflox | Adults and children ≥1 yr:Bacterial conjunctivitis: 12 drops of 0.3% solution every 24 hr while awake for 2 days, then 4 times daily for 5 more days; Corneal ulcer: 12 drops of 0.3% solution every 30 min while awake and every 46 hr while sleeping for 2 days, then every hr while awake for 46 more days, then 4 times daily until cured. |
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sulfacetamide | Adults and children ≥2 mo:Solution: 12 drops of 10% solution every 23 hr while awake (less frequently at night) for 710 days; Ointment: ½-in. strip every 34 hr and at bedtime for 710 days. |
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tobramycinTobrex | Adults and children ≥2 mo:Solution: 12 drops of 0.3% solution every 24 hr depending on severity of infection; Ointment: ½-in. strip every 812 hr. |
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Antifungal
Uses: Fungal blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis.
CAUTIONS: Small amounts may be absorbed and result in hypersensitivity reactions.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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natamycinNatacyn | Adults:Fungal keratitis: 1 drop of 5% suspension every 12 hr for 34 days, then 68 times/day for 23 wk; Fungal blepharitis or conjunctivitis: 1 drop of 5% suspension every 46 hr for 23 wk. |
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Antiparasitic
Uses: Demodex blepharitis.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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lotilanerXdemvy | Adults: 1 drop of 0.25% solution every 12 hr for 6 wk. |
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Antivirals
Uses: Herpetic conjunctivitis and keratitis.
CAUTIONS: Small amounts may be absorbed and result in hypersensitivity reactions.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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ganciclovirZirgan | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 1 drop of 0.15% gel 5 times daily (every 3 hr while awake) until corneal ulcer heals, then 3 times daily for 7 days. |
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trifluridine | Adults and children ≥6 yr: 1 drop of 1% solution every 2 hr while awake (up to 9 drops/day) until re-epithelialization occurs, then every 4 hr while awake for 7 more days (not to exceed 21 days). |
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Artificial Tears/Ocular Lubricants (sterile buffered isotonic solutions/ointments)
Uses: Artificial tears: keep the eyes moist with isotonic solutions and wetting agents in the management of dry eyes due to lack of tears; also provide lubrication for artificial eyes. Ocular lubricants: provide lubrication and protection in a variety of conditions including exposure keratitis, corneal sensitivity, corneal erosions, keratitis sicca, during/following ocular surgery or removal of a foreign body.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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Artificial tearsBion TearsGenteal TearsHypoTearsLiquiTearsMurine TearsNature's TearsSootheSystaneTeardropsTears NaturaleViva-Drops | Adults and children:Artificial tears: Solution: 12 drops 34 times daily; Insert: 1 insert 12 times daily; Ocular lubricants: small amount instilled into conjunctiva several times daily. |
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Beta Blockers
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma and other forms of ocular hypertension ( formation of aqueous humor).
CAUTIONS: Systemic absorption is minimal but may occur. Systemic absorption may result in additive adverse cardiovascular effects (bradycardia, hypotension), especially when used with other cardiovascular agents (antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics). Other systemic adverse reactions may occur, including bronchospasm or delirium (geriatric patients). Concurrent use with ophthalmic epinephrine may effectiveness.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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betaxololBetoptic S | Adults and children: 1 drop of 0.25% suspension or solution twice daily. |
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carteolol | Adults: 1 drop of 1% solution twice daily. |
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levobunolol | Adults: 12 drops of 0.5% solution once daily. |
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timololBetimolIstalolTimopticTimoptic OcudoseTimoptic-XE | Adults:Solution: 1 drop of 0.250.5% solution 12 times daily; Gel-forming solution: 1 drop of 0.250.5% solution once daily. Children:Solution: 1 drop of 0.250.5% solution twice daily; Gel-forming solution: 1 drop of 0.250.5% solution once daily. |
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Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma and other forms of ocular hypertension ( formation of aqueous humor).
CAUTIONS: May exacerbate kidney stones; should not be used in patients with CCr 30 mL/min; may have cross-sensitivity with sulfonamides.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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brinzolamideAzopt | Adults: 1 drop of 1% suspension 3 times daily. |
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dorzolamide | Adults and children: 1 drop of 2% solution 3 times daily. |
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Cholinergics (direct-acting)
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma (facilitates the outflow of aqueous humor); also used to facilitate miosis after ophthalmic surgery or before examination (to counteract mydriatics). Pilocarpine (Vuity) used in treatment of presbyopia.
CAUTIONS: Conditions in which pupillary constriction occurs should be avoided. If significant systemic absorption occurs, bronchospasm, sweating, and urination and salivation may occur.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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acetylcholineMiochol-E | Adults: 0.52 mL instilled into anterior chamber before or after securing one or more sutures. |
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carbacholMiostat | Adults: 0.5 mL instilled into anterior chamber before or after securing sutures. |
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pilocarpineQlosiVuity | Adults:Presbyopia: Vuity: 1 drop of 1.25% solution once daily. An additional drop (in each eye) may be administered 36 hr after 1st dose; Qlosi: 1 drop of 0.4% solution once daily, or as needed, up to twice daily. An additional drop (in each eye) may be administered 23 hr after 1st dose. Adults and children ≥2 yr:Glaucoma: 1 drop of 14% solution up to 4 times daily; Counteracting mydriatic sympathomimetics: 1 drop of 14% solution (may be repeated prior to surgery). Children <2 yr:Glaucoma: 1 drop of 1% solution 3 times daily. |
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Cholinergics (cholinesterase inhibitors)
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma not controlled with short-acting miotics or other agents; also used in varying doses for accommodative esotropia (diagnosis and treatment).
CAUTIONS: Enhances neuromuscular blockade from succinylcholine; intensifies the actions of cocaine and some other local anesthetics; additive toxicity with antimyasthenics, anticholinergics, and cholinesterase inhibitors (including some pesticides). Use cautiously in patients with history or risk of retinal detachment.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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echothiophatePhospholine Iodide | Adults: 1 drop of 0.125% solution 12 times daily. |
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Corticosteroids
Uses: Management of inflammatory eye conditions including allergic conjunctivitis, nonspecific superficial keratitis, anterior endogenous uveitis; management of infectious conjunctivitis (with anti-infectives); management of corneal injury; suppression of graft rejection following keratoplasty; management of postoperative inflammation; management of dry eye disease; management of macular edema.
CAUTIONS: Use cautiously in patients with infectious ocular processes (avoid in herpes simplex keratitis), especially fungal and viral ocular infections (may mask symptoms); diabetes, glaucoma, or epithelial compromise.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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dexamethasoneDextenzaDexycuMaxidexOzurdex | Adults and children:Solution: 12 drops of 0.1% solution every hr during the day and every 2 hr during the night, gradually ↓ the dose to 1 drop every 4 hr, then to 34 times daily; Suspension: 12 drops of 0.1% suspension up to 46 times daily; Implantone 0.7-mg implant injected into affected eye; Insert: one 0.4-mg insert (releases 0.4 mg dose for up to 30 days); Suspension for injection: 0.005 mL of 9% suspension injected into posterior chamber at end of ocular surgery. |
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difluprednateDurezol | Adults and children:Postoperative inflammation: 1 drop of 0.05% emulsion 4 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk, then 2 times daily for 1 wk, then taper; Uveitis: 1 drop of 0.05% emulsion 4 times daily for 14 days, then taper. |
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fluorometholoneFlarexFMLFML Forte | Adults and children ≥2 yr:Suspension: 12 drops of 0.1% suspension 4 times daily (up to 2 drops every 2 hr during initial 2448 hr) or 1 drop of 0.25% suspension 24 times daily (up to 1 drop every 4 hr during initial 2448 hr). |
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loteprednolAlrexEysuvisInveltysLotemaxLotemax SM | Adults:Allergic conjunctivitis: Alrex: 1 drop of 0.2% suspension 4 times daily; Dry eye disease: Eysuvis: 12 drops of 0.25% suspension 4 times daily for up to 2 wk; Inflammatory conditions: Lotemax: 12 drops of 0.5% suspension 4 times daily (up to 1 drop every hr may be used in first wk); Postoperative inflammation/pain: Lotemax gel/suspension: 12 drops of 0.5% gel/suspension 4 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk or 1 drop of 0.38% gel 3 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk; Lotemax ointment: ½-in. strip 4 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk; Inveltys suspension: 12 drops of 1% suspension 2 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk. Children:Postoperative inflammation/pain: Lotemax gel: 12 drops of 0.5% gel 4 times daily beginning 24 hr after surgery and continued for 2 wk. |
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prednisolonePred FortePred Mild | Adults and children: 12 drops of 0.121% solution/suspension 24 times daily. |
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Cycloplegic Mydriatics
Uses: Preparation for cycloplegic refraction; induction of mydriasis; management of uveitis (not tropicamide).
CAUTIONS: Use cautiously in patients with a history of glaucoma; systemic absorption may cause anticholinergic effects such as confusion, unusual behavior, flushing, hallucinations, slurred speech, drowsiness, swollen stomach (infants), tachycardia, or dry mouth.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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atropineIsopto Atropine | Adults and children ≥3 mo:Cycloplegia/mydriasis: Solution: 12 drops of 1% solution 40 min before procedure; Ointment: 0.30.5 cm strip 12 times daily. |
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cyclopentolateCyclogyl | Adults: 12 drops of 0.52% solution; may repeat in 510 min. Children: 1 drop of 0.52% solution; may be followed 510 min later by 1 drop of 0.51% solution. |
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homatropine | Adults:Cycloplegic refraction: 12 drops of 25% solution, may repeat in 510 min for 2 more doses; Uveitis: 12 drops of 25% solution 23 times daily (up to every 4 hr). Children ≥3 mo:Cycloplegic refraction: 12 drops of 2% solution, may repeat in 1015 min if needed; Uveitis: 12 drops of 2% solution 23 times daily (up to every 4 hr). |
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tropicamideMydriacyl | Adults and children: 12 drops of 0.51% solution. |
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Immunomodulators
Uses: Management of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
CAUTIONS: Tear production is not during concurrent use of ophthalmic NSAIDs or punctal plugs.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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cyclosporineCequaRestasisVerkaziaVevye | Adults and children ≥16 yr:Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Restasis: 1 drop of 0.05% emulsion every 12 hr. Adults:Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: Cequa: 1 drop of 0.09% solution every 12 hr; Vevye: 1 drop of 0.1% solution every 12 hr. Adults and children ≥4 yr:Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Verkazia: 1 drop of 0.1% emulsion 4 times daily until signs/symptoms resolve. |
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lifitegrastXiidra | Adults: 1 drop of 5% solution every 12 hr. |
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Mast Cell Stabilizers
Uses: Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
CAUTIONS: Require several days of treatment before effects are seen.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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cromolyn | Adults and children ≥4 yr: 12 drops of 4% solution 46 times daily. |
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lodoxamideAlomide | Adults and children ≥2 yr: 12 drops of 0.1% solution 4 times daily for up to 3 mo. |
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nedocromilAlocril | Adults and children ≥3 yr: 12 drops of 2% solution twice daily throughout period of exposure to allergen. |
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Uses: Management of pain/inflammation following surgery (bromfenac, diclofenac, ketorolac, nepafenac), allergic conjunctivitis (ketorolac), inhibition of perioperative miosis (flurbiprofen).
CAUTIONS: Cross-sensitivity with systemic NSAIDs may occur; concurrent use of anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, thrombolytics, some cephalosporins, and valproates may the risk of bleeding. May slow/delay healing. Avoid contact lens use.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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bromfenacBromsiteProlensa | Adults:Generic: 1 drop of 0.09% solution once daily starting 1 day before surgery and continued on day of surgery and for 2 wk after surgery; Bromsite: 1 drop of 0.075% solution twice daily starting 1 day before surgery and continued on day of surgery and for 2 wk after surgery; Prolensa: 1 drop of 0.07% solution once daily starting 1 day before surgery and continued on day of surgery and for 2 wk after surgery. |
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diclofenac | Adults:Cataract surgery: 1 drop of 0.1% solution 4 times daily starting 24 hr after surgery and for 2 wk after surgery; Corneal refractive surgery: 12 drops of 0.1% solution within hour before surgery, within 15 min after surgery, then continue 4 times daily for up to 3 days. |
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flurbiprofen | Adults: 1 drop of 0.03% solution every 30 min, beginning 2 hr prior to surgery (4 drops total in each eye). |
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ketorolacAcularAcular LSAcuvail | Adults and children ≥2 yr:Allergic conjunctivitis: Acular: 1 drop of 0.5% solution 4 times daily; Postoperative pain/inflammation: Acular: 1 drop of 0.5% solution 4 times daily starting 24 hr after cataract surgery and for 2 wk after surgery; Acular LS: 1 drop of 0.4% solution 4 times daily for up to 4 days after corneal refractive surgery; Acuvail: 1 drop of 0.45% solution twice daily starting 1 day before cataract surgery and continued for 2 wk after surgery. |
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nepafenacIlevroNevanac | Adults and children ≥10 yr:Ilevro: 1 drop of 0.3% suspension once daily starting one day before cataract surgery and continued for 2 wk after surgery; instill 1 additional drop 30120 min before surgery; Nevanac: 1 drop of 0.1% suspension 3 times daily starting one day before cataract surgery and continued for 2 wk after surgery. |
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Ocular Decongestants/Vasoconstrictors
Uses: ocular congestion due to irritation by vasoconstricting conjunctival blood vessels; stronger solutions have mydriatic effects. Treatment of acquired blepharoptosis (Upneeq).
CAUTIONS: Systemic absorption may result in adverse cardiovascular effects; excessive/prolonged use may produce rebound hyperemia; use caution in patients at risk for acute angle-closure glaucoma; cardiovascular effects may be exaggerated by MAO inhibitors and dose adjustment may be required within 21 days of MAO inhibitors; risk of arrhythmias with inhalation anesthetics.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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naphazoline | Adults: 12 drops of 0.012% solution up to 4 times daily (for up to 3 days) or 12 drops of 0.1% solution every 34 hr as needed. |
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oxymetazolineUpneeq | Adults: 1 drop of 0.1% solution once daily. |
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phenylephrine | Adults and children:Mydriasis: 1 drop of 2.510% solution, may repeat in 35 min as needed (max = 3 drops/eye). |
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tetrahydrozolineVisine [OTC] | Adults: 12 drops of 0.05% solution 24 times daily. |
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Prostaglandin Agonists
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma ( outflow of aqueous humor).
CAUTIONS: May change eye color to brown; will form precipitate with thimerosal-containing products; can be used with other agents to intraocular pressure.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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bimatoprostDurystaLumigan | Adults and children ≥16 yr: 1 drop of 0.010.03% solution once daily in the evening. Adults: One implant in anterior chamber of affected eye. |
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latanoprostIyuzehXalatanXelpros | Adults: 1 drop of 0.005% solution/emulsion once daily in the evening. |
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latanoprosteneVyzulta | Adults and children >16 yr: 1 drop of 0.024% solution once daily in the evening. |
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omidenepag isopropylOmlonti | Adults: 1 drop of 0.002% solution once daily in the evening. |
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tafluprostZioptan | Adults: 1 drop of 0.0015% solution once daily in the evening. |
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travoprostTravatan Z | Adults and children ≥16 yr: 1 drop of 0.004% solution once daily in the evening. |
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Rho Kinase Inhibitor
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension ( outflow of aqueous humor).
CAUTIONS: Can be used with other agents to intraocular pressure.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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netarsudilRhopressa | Adults: 1 drop of 0.02% solution once daily in the evening. |
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Semifluorinated Alkan
Uses: Dry eye disease.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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perfluorohexyloctaneMiebo | Adults: 1 drop of 100% solution 4 times daily. |
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Sympathomimetics
Uses: Treatment of open-angle glaucoma and other forms of intraocular hypertension ( formation of aqueous humor); brimonidine also available as over-the-counter product to ocular redness.
CAUTIONS: Systemic absorption may result in adverse cardiovascular and CNS reactions (especially in patients with cardiovascular disease); avoid use in patients predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma.
DRUG NAME | DOSE | NOTES |
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apraclonidineIopidine | Adults:Open-angle glaucoma: 12 drops of 0.5% solution 3 times daily;Postoperative reduction of intraocular pressure: 1 drop of 1% solution 1 hr before surgery and upon completion of surgery. |
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brimonidineAlphagan PLumify [OTC] | Adults and children ≥2 yr:Glaucoma: 1 drop of 0.10.2% solution 3 times daily (8 hr apart). Adults and children ≥5 yr:Ocular redness (Lumify™): 1 drop of 0.025% solution every 68 hr as needed (up to 4 times daily). |
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