Local anaesthesia
Used to temporarily numb the front surface of the eye so that the eye pressure can be measured or a foreign body removed.
Oxybuprocaine is a local anaesthetic. It may be less irritating than tetracaine, and the onset and duration of action are similar to tetracaine. Oxybuprocaine binds to sodium channel and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.
Hypersensitivity reactions; transient stinging and blurring of vision; excitation of CNS; muscle twitching and tremors; convulsions.
Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Reduce systemic absorption by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following instillation. Heart block; epilepsy, impaired cardiac conduction, myasthenia gravis; not to be applied to inflamed, infected tissues or damaged mucosa. Protect anaesthetised eye from dust and bacterial contamination; cornea may be damaged by prolonged application. Do not drive until normal vision restored.
Ocular perioperative drugs