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Akten

lidocaine
Used for Anesthesia
Used for Anesthesia

Akten (lidocaine) is an eye gel that works as a local anesthetic. It's applied directly to the eyes by an eye specialist to prevent or ease pain during an eye procedure. Some common side effects of this medication include temporary burning after application, eye redness, and headache.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 9, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Akten (lidocaine)?

What is Akten (lidocaine) used for?

  • Preventing pain during eye procedures

How Akten (lidocaine) works

Akten (lidocaine) is an local anesthetic. When it's applied to the eyes, it numbs the area at and around the application site, making those areas less sensitive to pain or irritation.

Are you looking for information on topical lidocaine for the skin or lidocaine viscous 2% instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAkten
Drug Class Local anesthetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$39.40(save 31.04%)
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$27.17
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What are the side effects of Akten (lidocaine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Eye redness
  • Headache
  • Temporary eye burning during application

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Cloudy cornea: blurry vision, vision loss, sensitivity to light, eye discomfort, eye pain, eye irritation or redness, excessive tearing
  • Corneal loss: pain with eye movement, blurry vision

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Burning or stinging of the eyes after use
  • Headache
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Akten (lidocaine)

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Pros

Starts working within a minute

Applied directly in the eye

Pain relief can last up to 30 minutes

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Cons

Not meant for long-term use

Can cause temporary stinging or burning after application

Not clear if it's safe to use in people who're pregnant or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Akten (lidocaine)

pharmacist

  • You will typically receive Akten (lidocaine) before an eye surgery to help ease the pain and discomfort from the procedure. This medication needs to be given by a healthcare provider to lower the risk of side effects.

    • Akten (lidocaine) can temporarily blur your vision. Don't drive a car or do any activities that requires you to see clearly until you know how this medication affects your vision. Consider arranging for someone to drive you to and from your eye procedure.

      • If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your provider before receiving Akten (lidocaine). It's not clear whether this medication can affect your unborn or breastfed baby, so it's important to tell your provider about your medical history before the procedure.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Akten (lidocaine)

        How long does it take for Akten (lidocaine) to work?
        Once Akten (lidocaine) is placed in the eyes, you should feel its numbing effects in less than 1 minute. Your provider will apply this medication right before your procedure to prevent pain. If you experience pain during your procedure, let your provider know immediately because they can reapply the drops.
        How long does Akten (lidocaine) last in your system?
        Each dose of Akten (lidocaine) can bring pain relief for about 5-30 minutes. If your procedure lasts longer than 30 minutes or if you start to experience pain during the procedure, your provider will reapply this medication to your eye(s).
        Does Akten (lidocaine) cause burning sensation?
        Yes, some people have reported temporary burning or stinging right after Akten (lidocaine) is placed in their eyes. But these side effects should only last for a couple minutes. Let your provider know before your eye procedure if the burning or irritation doesn't go away.
        What's the difference between Akten (lidocaine) and Acular (ketorolac eye drops)?
        Akten (lidocaine) and Acular (ketorolac eye drops) are both eye drops used to prevent or ease eye pain. One main difference is when and how these medications are used. Akten (lidocaine) is only given by an eye specialist before and during an eye procedure to prevent pain during that procedure. But Acular (ketorolac eye drops) is typically prescribed for the person who've just received cataract or corneal surgery to help ease pain after the procedure. Talk with your provider if you've more questions about the differences between these eye drops.
        Is Akten (lidocaine) safe to use during pregnancy?
        Akten (lidocaine) hasn't been well-studied in human pregnancies. But limited reports suggest that they don't raise the risk for birth defects or miscarriages if used during pregnancy. Ask your provider if you've more questions about whether or not you can use Akten (lidocaine) during pregnancy.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Akten (lidocaine)?

        Akten (lidocaine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        Only use on eye surface

        Akten (lidocaine) should only be used on the surface of the eye. Don't put Akten (lidocaine) in the mouth, nose, or other parts of the body, nor use as an injection into any parts of the eye.

        risk-warning

        Cloudy cornea (from long-term use)

        • Risk factor: Using Akten (lidocaine) long-term

          Akten (lidocaine) is meant for short-term use during eye procedures only. Using Akten (lidocaine), as well as other topical medications for eye pain, long-term might cause your cornea (the clear, outer layer of the eye) to become cloudy. In addition, doing so also raises your risk for eye damage and vision loss, which can be permanent. If you have vision loss, blurry vision, eye pain, or your eye is more watery than usual, seek medical attention immediately.

          risk-warning

          Given by a healthcare provider

          You will typically receive Akten (lidocaine) before an eye surgery or procedure. This medication needs to be given by a healthcare provider to lower the risk of eye injury.

          dosage

          Akten (lidocaine) dosage forms

          The average cost for 1 tube of 1ml of 3.5% of Akten (lidocaine) is $27.17 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 31.04% off the average retail price of $39.40.
          tube of gel
          Tube of gel
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          1ml of 3.5%1 tube$27.17$27.17

          Typical dosing for Akten (lidocaine)

          • The typical dose is 2 drops in the affected eye(s) applied by your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) before the eye procedure. Your provider will reapply this medication as needed during the procedure.

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          Akten (brand)
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