Ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% as a treatment for allergic conjuctivitis

BACKGROUND: Acular LS (ketorolac tromethamine 0.4%) ophthalmic solution, a reformulation of the original Acular (ketorolac tromethamine 0.5%), is indicated for the reduction of ocular pain and burning/stinging following corneal refractive surgery. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript will review the off-label application of this topical NSAID medication as a treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: An extensive MedLine search was undertaken to evaluate data on the use of ketorolac for allergic conjunctivitis. Data on both human and animal data were reviewed. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Studies have demonstrated that ketorolac 0.4% has equivalent efficacy to ketorolac 0.5%. Several studies have demonstrated that ketorolac effectively treats allergic conjunctivitis. Ketorolac 0.4% is effective when used as either monotherapy or as adjunct therapy to steroids.