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Alcaine
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Alcaine contains the active ingredient proxymethocaine, which is a local anesthetic used to perform ophthalmic procedures.
The effect of the drug begins after 20-30 seconds from the moment of its application; the analgesic effect lasts for 15+ minutes. The effect of proxymethocaine strengthens cell membranes under the influence of Na ions, due to which the generation of impulses of neuronal receptors is blocked, as well as the movement of impulse signals inside neuronal fibers.
Indications Alcaina
It is used for local anesthesia in ophthalmology – to perform short-term therapeutic or diagnostic procedures that require short-term rapid anesthesia.
Such procedures include cataract treatment, removal of sutures from the cornea or conjunctiva, as well as tonometry or gonioscopy, diagnostic conjunctival scraping, and removal of foreign objects that have entered the cornea. [ 1 ]
Release form
The drug is released in the form of eye drops - inside dropper bottles with a capacity of 15 ml. Inside the box - 1 bottle.
Pharmacokinetics
Proxymethocaine is absorbed into the mucous membranes without complications, so it is used as a local anesthetic. When used locally, the drug is absorbed into the circulatory system and dissolves at high speed in the plasma; but the introduction of large portions can lead to negative reactions.
Proxymethocaine is primarily an ophthalmic agent, only occasionally causing mydriasis or irritation.
The analgesic effect usually develops within half a minute from the moment of drug administration. This effect lasts quite a short time (about 15 minutes).
Dosing and administration
Alcaine is used locally. For tonometry and other short-term procedures, 1-2 drops are instilled immediately before the procedure. If longer anesthesia is required (for example, when removing a foreign object or stitches), 1-2 drops should be instilled with 5-10 minute breaks.
After the operation, the eye should be covered with a bandage, because during this period the “blink” reflex is briefly suppressed.
Use Alcaina during pregnancy
There is not enough information regarding the use of Alcaine during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Only a doctor can prescribe it during these periods, and only under strict indications.
Contraindications
Contraindicated for use in cases of personal sensitivity to proxymethocaine.
Caution is required when administering to individuals with various allergic manifestations, cardiac pathologies and thyrotoxicosis.
Side effects Alcaina
The medication is usually tolerated without complications. Only occasionally may burning, conjunctival hyperemia, itching, lacrimation and increased blinking occur.
Acute allergy symptoms are occasionally observed – iritis, corneal erosion, keratitis affecting the epithelium, as well as filiform infiltrates in the corneal area.
With prolonged use of drops, a slowdown in wound regeneration processes is observed. In addition, the development of a systemic toxic effect can be observed - excitation and further suppression of the central nervous system function.
Storage conditions
Alcaine should be stored in a place closed to children. Temperature values are in the range of 2-8°C.
Shelf life
Alcaine can be used within 2.5 years from the date of sale of the drug. The shelf life of an opened bottle is 28 days.
Application for children
There is no information regarding the therapeutic efficacy or safety of drug use in pediatrics.
Analogues
Analogues of the drug are Inocaine and Benoxy.
Reviews
Alcaine receives good reviews regarding its therapeutic effectiveness. The disadvantages include the rather high cost of the drug.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Alcaine" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.