Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Ketorolac ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to relieve eye itching caused by seasonal allergies.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is also used to reduce swelling, pain, and burning or stinging after cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery.

Ketorolac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ketorolac ophthalmic is used 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the condition you are treating. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Prolonged use of NSAID eye drops can lead to serious damage to your eyesight.

For cataract surgery you will begin using the eye drops 1 day before surgery and continue for up to 2 weeks afterward. For corneal refractive surgery the usual dosage is 4 times daily for up to 4 days after surgery.

Do not use ketorolac ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• If using this medicine after single-eye surgery, use the drops only in the eye you are having surgery on.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for use in one eye only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in the vial.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. If your medicine vials come in a foil pouch, store the vials inside the pouch and fold the ends closed.

Usual Adult Dose for Corneal Refractive Surgery:

0.4% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the operated eye(s) four times a day as needed for pain and burning/stinging for up to 4 days following corneal refractive surgery

Use: For the relief of ocular pain and burning/stinging following corneal refractive surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:

0.45% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day beginning 1 day prior to cataract surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and through the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period

0.5% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) four times a day beginning 24 hours after cataract surgery and continue through the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period

Use: For the treatment of pain and inflammation following cataract surgery

Usual Adult Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

0.5% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) four times a day

Use: For the temporary relief of ocular itching due to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Corneal Refractive Surgery:

3 years or older:
0.4% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the operated eye(s) four times a day as needed for pain and burning/stinging for up to 4 days following corneal refractive surgery

Use: For the relief of ocular pain and burning/stinging following corneal refractive surgery

Usual Pediatric Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:

2 years or older:
0.5% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) four times a day beginning 24 hours after cataract surgery and continue through the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period

Uses: For the treatment of pain and inflammation following cataract surgery

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

2 years or older:
0.5% Ophthalmic Solution: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) four times a day for the relief of ocular itching

Use: For the temporary relief of ocular itching due to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

You should not use ketorolac ophthalmic if you are allergic to ketorolac. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

To make sure ketorolac ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• diabetes;

• arthritis;

• glaucoma;

• dry eye syndrome; or

• a condition for which you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ketorolac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of ketorolac ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

While using this medication, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ketorolac ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;

• a wound that will not heal;

• eye pain, redness, or watering;

• vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;

• white patches on your eyes; or

• crusting or drainage from your eyes.

Common side effects of ketorolac ophthalmic may include:

• mild eye pain, stinging, or redness;

• blurred vision;

• watery eyes;

• swollen or puffy eyelids; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ketorolac used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.