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Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.25, 2024

Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.

The active ingredient Ketorolac Trometamol, commonly known by its brand name Acular®, is an eye drop solution. This is a prescribed medication used for reducing inflammation and treating certain types of anterior uveitis and iritis. It can be used before and after eye surgery to reduce inflammation. It is useful in managing chronic uveitis where long-term usage of steroids may produce side effects. This includes chronic anterior uveitis in cats, lens-induced uveitis in dogs, and uveitis associated with diabetes.

Ketorolac trometamol functions by reducing the levels of prostaglandin within the eye. Since prostaglandin is associated with the sensations of pain, itching, and the inflammatory response, decreasing their levels can help alleviate these symptoms.

Use Acular® eye drops only as prescribed by your veterinarian. Ketorolac is often administered 2 to 3 times daily for the treatment of active uveitis or conjunctivitis, and 1 to 2 times daily for the control of chronic uveitis. For eye surgery it is often applied to the eye three times daily, starting 24 hours before surgery and continuing up to three weeks post-surgery. The duration and dose depending on the condition being treated. Care must be taken to avoid contact of the dropper with the eye or surrounding areas to prevent injury or contamination.

Acular should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Acular is generally safe and well-tolerated by pets. Common side effects can include mild transient stinging and burning upon installation. Other adverse effects can be eye irritation, pain, superficial keratitis, eye or eyelid oedema, and more severe conditions like corneal damage or ulcerative keratitis in rare cases.

If these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Store Acular eye drops in a cool dry place, below 25 degrees C, and keep out of sunlight. Keep away from pets and children.

What should I do in case of an adverse reaction?

• If you suspect an adverse reaction, consult your veterinarian immediately. For emergencies such as suspected ingestion, contact your emergency veterinarian or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.

Can this medication be used with other eye drops?  

• Consult with your veterinarian if your pet is on any additional medication as interactions need to be considered. It is typically advised to ensure there is an interval of at least 5 minutes between applications.

Can Acular be used for chronic conditions, or is it only for post-operative care?

• Acular can be used to treat both chronic conditions and be used around eye surgery. For chronic conditions, it's best to discuss with your veterinarian whether this medication is suitable.

Is there any change in efficacy if my pet has other eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma?

• The effectiveness of Acular can vary if your pet has other eye conditions. It's essential to discuss your pet's full medical history with your veterinarian.

 Is there any risk of long-term damage to my pet’s eyes with continued use of Acular?

• Long-term use of any medication can have risks, and it's important to use Acular as directed by your veterinarian and to have regular check-ups to monitor your pet's eye health.

Ketorolac Trometamol can be an effective solution for managing types of eye chronic inflammation and post-operative eye inflammation in cats and dogs, it's crucial to use it under veterinary guidance and adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration instructions. Always monitor your pet for any adverse reactions and consult your veterinarian for any concerns.