Local anaesthetic (eye numbing agent)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Proparacaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic eye drop that temporarily numbs the surface of your eye so you don't feel pain during eye examinations or minor eye procedures.
Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing depolarization and conduction of pain signals along sensory nerves in the cornea and conjunctiva.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This drug is not for home use. It is applied directly into the eye by a doctor or eye specialist — usually 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye shortly before a procedure. Do not use this on your own without a doctor's supervision.
This does not apply since proparacaine is given as a one-time dose by a doctor during a procedure, not taken on a regular schedule at home.
Do not buy proparacaine from roadside sellers or use it at home to numb eye pain — repeated unsupervised use can seriously damage your eye. This is strictly a hospital or clinic drug and should only be applied by a trained health worker. If you see it sold as Primax Eye Drops, only use it under medical supervision.
There are no major drug interactions with food or alcohol since this is applied to the eye in a clinical setting. However, tell your doctor if you are using any other eye drops or eye medications, as mixing them may reduce effectiveness or increase irritation.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Proparacaine with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although risk is considered low since only a small amount enters the body through eye drops.
Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so keeping it in a refrigerator (2–8°C) is ideal. Keep the bottle tightly closed and far out of children's reach. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Proparacaine hydrochloride?
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