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Proparacaine Ophthalmic

Prescription
Ophthalmic Topical Anesthetic
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Ester-type local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in corneal sensory nerve endings, providing rapid topical anesthesia of the corneal and conjunctival surface within 30 seconds. Duration 15–20 minutes.

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic Topical Anesthetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate (optimal) or room temperature; discard if discolored

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for IOP measurement (tonometry), corneal/conjunctival procedures, foreign b
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
Single application; repeat for procedures
🐈

Cat

Same as dogs
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
Single application
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Refrigerate (optimal) or room temperature; discard if discolored

Safety

Monitoring parameters

In-office use only — no monitoring needed for single applicationIf accidental chronic exposure: fluorescein staining, corneal thickness
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Alcaine
Alcon
Ophthaine

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Proparacaine Ophthalmic?
Proparacaine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic topical anesthetic used in pets. Ester-type local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in corneal sensory nerve endings, providing rapid topical anesthesia of the corneal and conjunctival surface within 30 seconds. Duration 15–20 minutes.
What is Proparacaine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Proparacaine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for IOP measurement (tonometry), corneal/conjunctival procedures, foreign b; Same as dogs.
What is the Proparacaine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Proparacaine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for IOP measurement (tonometry), corneal/conjunctival procedures, foreign b: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Single application; repeat for procedures. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Proparacaine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Proparacaine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Same as dogs: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Single application. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Proparacaine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Proparacaine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Ophthalmic Topical Anesthetic).

Tetracaine Ophthalmic
Rx
Ester-type local anesthetic with slightly slower onset (60 sec) but longer duration (15–25 min) than proparacaine. More irritating on application but provides deeper anesthesia — preferred for some procedures.
dogcat
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