Acular Side Effects

Generic name: ketorolac ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 3, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ketorolac ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Acular.

Applies to ketorolac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects of Acular

Along with its needed effects, ketorolac ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Acular) may cause some unwanted 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 any of the following side effects occur while taking ketorolac ophthalmic:

More common

• Itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use
• redness of the clear part of the eye
• sensitivity to light
• swelling of the eye
• swelling of the eyelids
• tearing
• throbbing pain

Rare

• Blurred vision or other change in vision
• eye irritation or redness

Incidence not known

• Cough
• noisy breathing
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing

Other side effects of Acular

Some side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Stinging or burning of the eye when medicine is applied

Rare

• Dry eyes
• headache

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ketorolac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were transient stinging and burning on instillation.^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Intraocular pressure increased, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, ocular pain, tearing, vision blurred, corneal infiltrates, ocular edema, iritis, ocular inflammation, ocular irritation, superficial keratitis, superficial ocular infection, conjunctivitis, ocular pruritus, keratic precipitates, retinal hemorrhage, cystoid macular edema, eye trauma, ptosis, blepharitis, photophobia, corneal lesion, glaucoma

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ulcerative keratitis, eye dryness, epiphora, corneal ulcer

Postmarketing reports: Corneal erosion, corneal perforation, corneal thinning, corneal melt, epithelial breakdown^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Transient stinging (up to 40%), burning (up to 40%)

Common (1% to 10%): Local allergic reaction^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Respiratory

Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, asthma exacerbated^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer