Dosing & Uses
AdultPediatric
Dosage Forms & Strengths
benoxinate/fluorescein ophthalmic
ophthalmic solution
- 0.4%/0.25%
Removal of Foreign Bodies, Sutures, or Tonometry
Provides topical ophthalmic anesthesia with a disclosing agent for short corneal and conjunctival procedures
1-2 gtt into each eye before procedure
Deep Ophthalmic Anesthesia
2 gtt in each eye q90seconds x 3 doses
Safety and efficacy not established
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Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Transient local stinging
Transient local burning
Acute, intense and diffuse epithelial keratitis
Conjunctival redness
Gray ground glass appearance
Sloughing of epithelium
Iritis with descemetitis
Dying/fissuring of fingertips
Severe, immediate allergic corneal reaction (rare)
Allergic contact dermatitis (rare)
Conjunctival congestion (rare)
Conjunctival hemorrhage (rare)
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Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to either component or to similar drugs
Cautions
Prolonged use not recommended as may diminish duration of anesthesia, retard wound healing, and cause corneal infection and/or opacification with accompanying permanent visual loss or corneal perforation
Systemic toxicity (CNS stimulation followed by CNS and cardiovascular depression) possible but rare
Protection of the eye from other irritating chemicals, foreign bodies, and rubbing during the period of anesthesia is very important
CNS stimulation followed by depression may occur with topical application of local anesthetics
Use cautiously and sparingly in patients with known allergies, cardiac disease, or hyperthyroidism
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Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, caution advised
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.
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Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Benoxinate hydrochloride: Topical anesthetics stabilize neuronal membrane so neuron is less permeable to ions, preventing initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, producing local anesthetic action
Fluorescein sodium: Contact with aqueous humor increases intensity of green fluorescence
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Images
No images available for this drug.
Patient Handout
A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Formulary
FormularyPatient Discounts
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Create Your List of Plans
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
The above information is provided for generalinformational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may varyand formulary information changes. Contact the applicable planprovider for the most current information.
View explanations for tiers andrestrictions
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are generic drugs. |
| 2 | This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs. |
| 3 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs. |
| 4 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialtyprescription products. |
| 5 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialtyprescription products. |
| 6 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Mostcommonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialtyprescription products. |
| NC | NOT COVERED – Drugs that are notcovered by the plan. |
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| PA | Prior Authorization Drugs thatrequire prior authorization. This restriction requires thatspecific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of theprescription. |
| QL | Quantity Limits Drugs thathave quantity limits associated with each prescription. Thisrestriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that willbe covered. |
| ST | Step Therapy Drugs that havestep therapy associated with each prescription. This restrictiontypically requires that certain criteria be met prior toapproval for the prescription. |
| OR | Other Restrictions Drugs thathave restrictions other than prior authorization, quantitylimits, and step therapy associated with each prescription. |
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.
