The main site of anesthetic action is the nerve cell membrane where proparacaine interferes with the large transient increase in the membrane permeability to sodium ions that is normally produced by a slight depolarization of the membrane. As the anesthetic action progressively develops in a nerve, the threshold for electrical stimulation gradually increases and the safety factor for conduction decreases; when this action is sufficiently well developed, block of conduction is produced. Several studies indicate that local anesthetics may limit sodium ion permeability by closing the pores through which the ions migrate in the lipid layer of the nerve cell membrane.

Proparacaine is indicated for procedures in which a topical ophthalmic anesthetic is indicated: corneal anesthesia of short duration, e.g. tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of corneal foreign bodies, and for short corneal and conjunctival procedures. It is also indicated for use prior to surgical operations such as cataract extraction.

Deep anesthesia as in cataract extraction: Instill 1 drop to the eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses.

Removal of sutures: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye 2 or 3 minutes before removal of stitches.

Removal of foreign bodies: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye prior to operating.

Tonometry: Instill 1 or 2 drops to the eye immediately before measurement.

Proparacaine eye drops should be considered contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation.

Occasional temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of Proparacaine.

Prolonged use of a topical ocular anesthetic is not recommended. It may produce permanent corneal opacification with accompanying visual loss.

Use in Special Populations

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of Proparacaine ophthalmic solution in pediatric patients have been established. Use of Proparacaine is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and children over the age of twelve, and safety information in neonates and other pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use: No overall clinical differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between the elderly and other adult patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use in pregnancy: It is not known whether Proparacaine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Proparacaine should be administered to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Use in lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Proparacaine is administered to a nursing mother.