What is proparacaine hydrochloride used for?

Proparacaine hydrochloride is used to numb the eye during procedures like measuring eye pressure, removing foreign objects, or before eye surgeries.

How quickly does proparacaine hydrochloride work in the eye?

It is a fast-acting anesthetic that usually begins working about 13 seconds after a single drop is applied.

How long does the numbing effect of proparacaine hydrochloride last?

The numbing effect typically lasts for 15 minutes or longer.

Can proparacaine hydrochloride cause eye irritation?

While most people experience little irritation, some may feel stinging, burning, or redness, sometimes several hours after use.

Is proparacaine hydrochloride safe to use during pregnancy?

It should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly necessary, as its effects on a fetus are not fully known.

Is proparacaine hydrochloride safe for children?

Yes, it has been proven safe and effective in children over the age of 12, and there is safety information for neonates.

What are the serious risks of using proparacaine hydrochloride?

Rarely, it can cause severe corneal reactions, including intense inflammation, a gray appearance of the eye, or corneal erosion.

Who should not use proparacaine hydrochloride?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Proparacaine Hydrochloride | CAS 5875-06-9 | BFUUJUGQJUTPAF

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Local anesthetic (eye drops)

Proparacaine hydrochloride is a fast-acting eye drop used to numb the eye for various medical procedures. It works by blocking sodium channels in the nerve cells to prevent pain signals. It is commonly used for things like measuring eye pressure, removing foreign objects from the eye, or as anesthesia before eye surgery.

How it worksIt works by blocking sodium ions from entering nerve cells, which prevents the nerves from sending pain signals.

Brand names:Proparacaine hydrochloride

Used for

Numbing the eye for measuring eye pressure (tonometry)Removing foreign objects from the corneaRemoving stitches from the corneaEye examinations like conjunctival scraping or gonioscopic examinationNumbing the eye before surgeries like cataract removal

Conditions

Pain during ophthalmic procedures

Class

AnestheticLocal AnestheticLocal anesthetic (eye drops)Ocular (Eyes)

How to take

FormsOphthalmic solution (eye drops)

RoutesOphthalmic (in the eye)

The dose depends on the procedure. For deep anesthesia like cataract surgery, one drop is applied every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses. For removing stitches or foreign bodies, 1 or 2 drops are used shortly before the procedure. For eye pressure tests, 1 or 2 drops are used immediately before the test.

This medication is for use in the eye only. Follow the specific instructions provided by your eye doctor for your specific procedure.

Key warnings

·Do not use if you are allergic to proparacaine hydrochloride or any other ingredients in the solution.
·Severe, immediate allergic reactions involving the cornea can occur rarely.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you have a known allergy to any part of this solution.

Side effects

Common

Eye irritationStingingBurningRedness of the eyeIncreased tearingIncreased blinking

Serious

·Severe eye reaction including intense inflammation (keratitis)
·Gray or cloudy appearance of the cornea
·Skin irritation or cracking on the fingertips
·Corneal erosion or softening
·Eye bleeding (hemorrhage)
·Pupil dilation

Seek help if

·Severe, immediate-type corneal reaction
·Intense eye inflammation
·Corneal erosion or softening

Interactions

·While no specific drug-to-drug interactions are listed, some patients may experience sensitivity even if they have tolerated other local anesthetics in the past.

Special populations

PregnancyIt is not known if proparacaine hydrochloride can cause harm to a fetus or affect reproduction. It should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of this drug have been established in children over age 12. Safety information is also available for neonates and other pediatric patients.

GeriatricNo major differences in safety or effectiveness have been noted in elderly patients compared to other adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Eye redness
·Stinging or burning
·Changes in corneal appearance
·Skin irritation on fingertips

Questions to ask

·Am I allergic to any ingredients in these eye drops?
·How long will the numbing effect last after my procedure?
·What should I do if my eye feels extremely irritated after use?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetApproximately 13 seconds

Duration15 minutes or longer

Ingredients

Inactive

glycerinbenzalkonium chloridewater for injection

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.