Acular

Acular is a prescription medication used to treat itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis as well as swelling and redness (inflammation) that can occur after cataract surgery. 

Acular belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These work by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

This medication comes in eyedrop form and is taken 4 times per day. Acular can be taken for up to 2 weeks after cataract surgery for swelling and redness associated with cataract surgery.

Common side effects include eye discomfort such as stinging and/or burning. 

Acular can also cause blurry vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Acular affects you.

Acular is a prescription medication used to treat itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis as well as swelling and redness (inflammation) that can occur after cataract surgery. 

• Allergan, Inc.

• Cheshire Pharm. Systems

• Compumed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• DHS, Inc.

• DispenseXpress, Inc.

• Dispensing Solutions, Inc.

• IPI Pharmaceuticals

• Pharma Pac (A Service Of H.J. Harkins Co., Inc.)

• Physician Partner

• Quality Care Products, LLC

• Rebel Distributors Corp..

• Stat Rx Usa Llc

Serious side effects have been reported with Acular. See the “Drug Precautions” section for additional information.

Common side effects include:

• burning and stinging of the eyes
• blurry vision
• eye dryness
• headaches

This is not a complete list of Acular side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if any side effect is bothersome or does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No Acular drug interactions have been identified by the manufacturer, However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Serious side effects have been reported with Acular including the following:

• Delayed healing. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow or delay healing. Topical corticosteroids are also known to slow or delay healing. Use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids at the same time may increase the potential for healing problems.
• Hypersensitivity. There have been reports of asthma attacks or the worsening of asthma linked with the use of Acular in patients who have either a known hypersensitivity to aspirin/NSAID drugs or a past medical history of asthma.
• Increased bleeding time. There have been reports that NSAIDs applied to the eyes may cause increased bleeding times if also undergoing surgery. It is recommended that Acular be used with caution in those with known bleeding tendencies or who are receiving other medications that may increase bleeding time.
• Keratitis. Use of topical NSAIDs may result in keratitis, or inflammation of the clear tissue covering your eyes. This may be reduce your sight if not corrected. Immediately stop use of Acular if your vision changes and talk to your healthcare provider about these changes.

Acular can cause blurry vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Acular affects you.

Do not take Acular if you wear contacts or are allergic to Acular or to any of its ingredients.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Acular, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Before taking Acular, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to Acular or any other medication, especially aspirin or other NSAIDs
• have had or will have eye surgery of any kind
• are currently taking any other NSAID medicaitons or corticosteroid medications
• have asthma
• have any blood-clotting disorders or take any blood-thinning medications
• wear contact lenses
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing
• are planning to administer this medication to a child under 2 years old

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Acular falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Take Acular exactly as prescribed. 

Acular comes in eyedrop form and is taken four times per day. Acular can be taken for up to 2 weeks after cataract surgery for swelling and redness associated with cataract surgery.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Take Acular exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

For the treatment of itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis, the recommended dose of Acular is one drop instilled into the affected eye(s) four times a day.

For the treatment of swelling and redness (inflammation) associated with cataract surgery, the recommended dose of Acular is one drop instilled into the affected eye(s) four times a day starting 24 hours after cataract surgery. You may use Acular for up to 2 weeks after cataract surgery.

If you take too much Acular, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If Acular is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.