oxybuprocaine hydrochloride: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Intended for topical ocular anaesthesia during examination or minor procedures, not ongoing control of eye pain.
• Protect the anaesthetised eye from dust, bacterial contamination and accidental trauma.
• Advise against driving or hazardous machinery until normal vision returns.
• Discard the opened single-use unit after the procedure.

Contraindications and cautions

• Known hypersensitivity to oxybuprocaine hydrochloride or the product.
• Avoid prolonged or uncontrolled application because local anaesthetic eye drops can damage the cornea.

Monitoring

• No routine laboratory monitoring is specified.
• Confirm recovery of vision and protective sensation as clinically appropriate; investigate persistent pain, irritation or visual disturbance.

Clinical pharmacology

An ester-type local anaesthetic that reversibly blocks propagation and conduction of nerve impulses. It is rapidly absorbed from the precorneal tear film and is thought to undergo rapid metabolism by plasma cholinesterases and hepatic esterases.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected Minims product is a clear, colourless, sterile, preservative-free solution in single-use containers.
• Its listed excipients are hydrochloric acid and purified water.
• Each unit is individually overwrapped, must be used immediately after opening and discarded after use.