Proxymetacaine

Registered South Africa indications:

• Topical ocular anaesthesia 

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients 
• Premature infants 

Cautions

• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding 
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Inflamed eye
• Prolonged use
• Concomitant use of soft contact lens 

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd 

Topical ocular anaesthesia

- Deep anaesthesia 

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1 drop, every 5-10min; Max: 5-7 applications

- Removal of sutures 

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1-2 drops, 2-3 min prior to removal of sutures

- Removal of foreign bodies
- Tonometry 

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1-2 drops, prior to procedure

To be used as a single dose treatment

A period of at least one minute should be allowed before subsequent administration of other topical agents

Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following instillation of the drops

See adult dosage

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category Not Rated (NR)

Breastfeeding

• Caution, no information available 

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity reactions 

Sensory Disorders

• Pupillary dilatation
• Cycloplegic effects
• Conjunctival irritation
• Hyperallergic corneal reaction
• Diffuse epithelial keratitis
• Corneal filaments
• Iritis
• Descemetitis

No information available

None routine 

Proxymetacaine limits sodium ion permeability through the lipid layer of the nerve cell membrane. It may also alter epithelial sodium channels through interaction with channel protein residues. This prevents the fundamental change necessary for the generation of the action potential, thereby producing its anaesthetic action.

Eye drops (per 0.5ml) 2.5mg

• Minims Proxymetacaine Hydrochloride (Soflens)