Acular Side Effects

Generic name: ketorolac ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 11, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Acular.

Applies to ketorolac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution Side Effects associated with ketorolac ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Acular.

Applies to ketorolac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

Your eye doctor will check your or your child's eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Slow or delayed healing may occur while you or your child are using this medicine. Ask your doctor before using this medicine together with a topical corticosteroid (eg, betamethasone, hydrocortisone).

Using this medicine may increase risk of having corneal (front part of the eye) problems, including keratitis. Check with your eye doctor right away if you or your child have blurred vision, changes in vision, or eye redness, irritation, or pain while using this medicine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

While applying this medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

Do not use other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ketorolac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

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]

See also:

Further information

Acular side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer