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Bromfenac vs. Acular

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Bromfenac

 

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ketorolac eye drop

 

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Summary for Bromfenac

Prescription only

Bromfenac, also known by its brand names Prolensa and BromSite, is an eye drop medication. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves eye pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. This medication is approved for adults only. The dosage is typically 1 drop into the affected eye once or twice per day, depending on the strength of the eye drop you have. Side effects are typically related to the eye and can include eye pain and blurry vision.

Indications for Bromfenac

Pros and Cons for Bromfenac

Pros

  • Can start to feel pain relief after a day
  • Used once or twice per day, depending on eye drop strength

Cons

  • Can slow down healing and raise the risk for bleeding in the eye
  • Some strengths contain sulfites, so might not be good option for people who are allergic to sulfite

Common Side Effects for Bromfenac

  • Blurry vision (up to 8%)
  • Sensitivity to light (up to 8%)
  • Eye pain (up to 8%)
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye (up to 8%)
  • Inflammation in the front part (anterior chamber) of the eye (up to 8%)

Warnings for Bromfenac

  • Allergic reaction
  • Slower healing
  • Bleeding in the eye
  • Problems in the cornea
  • Don't wear contact lenses when placing bromfenac drops into the eye

Summary for Acular

Prescription only

Ketorolac eye drop is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to treat inflammation and pain after corneal or cataract surgery. Ketorolac eye drop can also help with itchy eyes from allergies, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Ketorolac eye drop can be used by adults and children and is typically instilled 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the medical condition. Some common side effects include stinging, burning, and irritation after putting the eye drops. Ketorolac eye drop is available as a generic and as brand name medications (Acular, Acular LS, and Acuvail).

Indications for Acular

  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cornea refractive surgery in people ages 3 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular LS) 0.4% only
  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cataract removal in people ages 2 years and older- Ketorolac (Acuvail) 0.45% and ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only
  • Itchy eyes due to allergies in people ages 2 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

Pros and Cons for Acular

Pros

  • Works well for eye pain, inflammation, and itching
  • Causes fewer serious side effects than oral ketorolac
  • Both ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5% strengths are available as lower-cost generics.
  • A possible option for children

Cons

  • Can cause temporary stinging or burning after using
  • Need to use 2 to 4 times a day
  • Might not be safe if you're allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin
  • Requires removal of soft contact lenses

Common Side Effects for Acular

  • Temporary stinging or burning (up to 40%)
  • Eye redness, swelling, or pain (up to 10%)
  • Headache (up to 6%)
  • Higher eye pressure after cataract surgery (up to 6%)
  • Bleeding in the outermost membrane of the eye (up to 6%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 6%)
  • Tearing (up to 6%)
  • Hazy or cloudy corneas (up to 5%)

Warnings for Acular

  • Slower healing
  • Breathing problems
  • Bleeding
  • Cornea problems
  • No contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Bromfenac vs. Acular

Price Card Drug Icon
Bromfenac1 eye dropper / 3ml of 0.07%
$45.60$380.99
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Ketorolac1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$17.30$62.76
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