Minims* Proxymetacaine
0.5% w/v Proxymetacaine Hydrochloride BP
About Minims Proxymetacaine
The name of this medicine is Minims Proxymetacaine. Each Minims unit is a sterile, single use container which contains 0.5% w/v proxymetacaine hydrochloride solution. The solution also contains purified water and small amounts of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Each Minims unit contains approximately 0.5ml of solution. Each carton contains 20 Minims units. Proxymetacaine is used as a local anaesthetic.
Who makes Minims Proxymetacaine?
Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5% is manufactured by Laboratoire Chauvin S.A. ZI Ripotier, 07200/Aubenas, France. The Marketing Authorisations for Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5% (PL 0033/0151 and PA 118/46/1) are held by Chauvin Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 106 London Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames KT2 6TN, England.
What is it for?
Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5% is used to numb the eye temporarily. This could be necessary for a number of reasons. Most often, Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5% is used to allow your doctor or eye specialist to measure the pressure inside your eye or perform minor operations such as the removal of stitches and foreign bodies.
This product is not intended to be used as a long term treatment for painful eye conditions.
Before using Minims Proxymetacaine
Are you allergic to proxymetacaine?
Do you suffer from heart disease?
Do you have an overactive thyroid gland?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or eye specialist before you use this product.
When your eye has been numbed it is important not to rub it and to keep it free of dust and bacteria. Your doctor or eye specialist will make sure that your eye is properly protected.
If you are pregnant (or if you think that you might be pregnant) you should tell your doctor or eye specialist before Minims Proxymetacaine is used. It is possible that you will still receive it, but it is also possible that an alternative may be used.
Proxymetacaine is more comfortable for your eyes than some local anaesthetics but you may still feel some stinging when the drops are first added. Your sight may also become blurred for a short time. Make sure that you do not try to drive or use machinery until your sight has returned to normal.
Some eye examinations involve the use of staining solutions as well as local anaesthetics. Proxymetacaine should not be given at the same time as a particular stain called fluorescein. Your doctor or eye specialist will be aware of this and will make sure that a long enough time interval is allowed between the addition of Minims Proxymetacaine and fluorescein solution.
The solution should be colourless or pale yellow. Minims Proxymetacaine should not be used if it is darker than pale yellow in colour.
This product should not be used in premature babies.
Using Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5%
The amount of anaesthetic used will vary, depending on the procedure which is to be carried out:
For measuring the pressure inside your eye, or for the removal of foreign bodies, 1 or 2 drops just before the procedure is sufficient.
For the removal of stitches, 1 or 2 drops are applied 2 to 3 minutes before operating.
If deep or prolonged anaesthesia is needed, 1 drop can be applied every 5 to 10 minutes. This can be repeated up to 7 times.
The doctor or eye specialist will put the drops in your eye for you. You may be asked to press on the inner corners of your eyes for a minute to prevent the solution draining into your nose and throat. Your eye will remain numb for between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how many drops you received. Avoid touching the eye until the anaesthetic has worn off.
The Minims unit should be discarded after use.
Local anaesthetic eyedrops can damage the surface of the eye if they are used too much or too often. Your doctor or eye specialist will make sure that this does not happen.
It is very unlikely that you will suffer an overdose from Minims Proxymetacaine, but if you suddenly feel unwell after receiving the drops, tell your doctor or eye specialist.
After using Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5%
Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5% does not usually cause unwanted side effects, but allergic reactions have occasionally occurred. These can affect the cornea (a transparent membrane covering the iris and pupil of the eye) and the iris. Your doctor or eye specialist will be able to tell if an allergic reaction occurs. Other reactions such as widening of the pupil, temporary paralysis of the lens or irritation of the conjunctiva (a mucous membrane which lines the inside of the eyelid) are very rare and will quickly wear off. If you do suddenly feel uncomfortable or unwell after receiving Minims Proxymetacaine, you should tell your doctor or eye specialist.
Storing Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5%
- Minims Proxymetacaine should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not allow it to freeze. The solution should not be used if it is more than pale yellow in colour.
- The expiry date for Minims Proxymetacaine stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C is printed on each Minims unit overwrap and on the carton label. Do not use it after this date.
- If necessary, the product may be stored at temperatures not exceeding 25°C for up to 1 month only, in which case a label bearing the relevant expiry date will be affixed to the carton label.
This leaflet applies only to Minims Proxymetacaine 0.5%, but it does not contain all the information known about it. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask a doctor, eye specialist or pharmacist.
Date of Partial Revision of Test: August 2002
* Trade Mark
