General Information

Acular has now been approved by the FDA for post-surgical inflammation following cataract extraction. Acular is administered between one and four times daily starting 24 hours after surgery for two weeks. It can be used with antibiotics, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cycloplegics, and mydriatics. For itch, Acular is administered between one and four times daily as needed.

Side Effects

Adverse events include transient stinging and burning upon application.

Mechanism of Action

Acular (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5%) works by inhibiting prostaglandins in the aqueous humor. Allergan began marketing Acular in 1992 to treat seasonal conjunctival allergies, although the drug did find off-label uses for cystoid macular edemas and post-surgical inflammation.