Oxybuprocaine: Uses & Dosage

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Ophthalmic
Ocular anaesthesia

Adult: As 0.4% w/v eye drop solution: For tonometry: Instil 1 drop into the conjunctival sac in each eye 1 minute before the procedure. For contact lens fitting: Instil a further drop into the conjunctival sac in each eye after 90 seconds. For minor surgery (e.g. meibomian cyst removal through the conjunctiva) or removal of foreign bodies: Instil 3 drops into each affected eye at 90-second intervals. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: As 0.4% w/v eye drop solution: Same as adult dose.

Special Precautions

Protect the anaesthetised eye from dust and bacterial contamination. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Blurred vision, transient stinging of the eyes; corneal damage, keratitis, and acquired tolerance (prolonged use).
Cardiac disorders: Sinus bradycardia.
Eye disorders: Eye pain, eye irritation, hypopyon, eye allergy, allergic blepharitis.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, dysphagia.
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction/shock.

Patient Counseling Information

This drug may cause blurred vision, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Do not wear contact lenses during administration and until the effects of the drops have completely worn off.

Action

Description:
Overview: Oxybuprocaine, a p-aminobenzoic acid ester, is a rapid acting local anaesthetic.
Mechanism of Action: Oxybuprocaine reversibly inhibits the conduction of nerve impulses along nerve axons and the excitability of nociceptors.
Synonym(s): Benoxinate.
Onset: 1 minute (peak response within 1-15 minutes).
Duration: 20-30 minutes (full corneal sensitivity returning in ≥40 minutes).
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the pre-corneal tear film by the lipophilic corneal epithelium.
Metabolism: Probably rapidly metabolised by plasma cholinesterases, and to a lesser extent, by esterases in the liver mainly into 3-butoxy-4-aminobenzoic acid and other metabolites.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Storage recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).

MIMS Class

Anaesthetics - Local & General

ATC Classification

S01HA02 - oxybuprocaine ; Belongs to the class of local ophthalmologic anesthetics.

References

Bausch & Lomb (NZ) Ltd. Minims Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride, Eye Drops Solution 0.4% w/v data sheet 29 September 2025. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Joint Formulary Committee. Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Oxybuprocaine [Benoxinate]. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride 4 mg/mL Eye Drops, Solution in Single-dose Container (Alfa Intes Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Paediatric Formulary Committee. Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride. BNF for Children [online]. London. BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press, and RCPCH Publications. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/01/2026.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Oxybuprocaine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2026 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com