Indications
Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride (also called benoxinate) is a local anaesthetic eye drop. It is used by eye doctors and other health professionals to numb the surface of the eye for short procedures such as measuring eye pressure (tonometry), fitting or removing contact lenses, removing small foreign bodies from the cornea, and other minor eye examinations or procedures.
How It Works
Oxybuprocaine blocks sodium channels in the nerve endings on the surface of the eye. This stops pain signals from being sent to the brain. Numbness starts within about a minute and usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.
Dosage and Administration
It is given by a doctor, nurse or eye care professional. Usually 1 drop into the eye is enough for tonometry; for some procedures 1 drop is repeated a few times at short intervals, as directed by the professional. It is not for home use or repeated use for eye pain.
Interactions
No important interactions with medicines taken by mouth are known. Other eye drops given at the same time may be absorbed differently; the professional will space them as needed. It may interfere with some tests that use fluorescein if not used correctly.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Oxybuprocaine or other ester-type local anaesthetics. It is not suitable for long-term or repeated self-use, and should not be used in premature babies.
Side Effects
A short stinging or burning feeling on putting the drops in is common. Redness and watering may occur. Repeated or prolonged use can damage the surface of the eye (cornea), delay healing and cause serious eye problems, including loss of vision.
Get urgent medical help if you have increasing eye pain after the numbness wears off, reduced or blurred vision that does not clear, a white patch on the eye, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the eyelids or face, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
A single or occasional use for an eye procedure is unlikely to cause harm in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as very little is absorbed. Tell the professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not rub or touch the eye while it is numb, because you could scratch it without feeling it. Avoid contact lenses and dusty or windy places until the numbness wears off (about 30 minutes). Never use the drops repeatedly to relieve eye pain. Use with caution in people with heart disease or overactive thyroid.
Overdose
Using too many drops can damage the cornea. Swallowing the solution may cause numbness of the mouth, dizziness or, rarely, seizures and heart rhythm problems. Seek medical help if this happens.
Therapeutic Class
Local anaesthetic (ophthalmic, ester type).
Storage
Store as directed on the pack, usually below 25°C, protected from light and out of the reach of children. Discard any remaining solution after the time stated on the label.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.