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Corneal Abrasion Pain in Adults
Medications commonly used to control pain and inflammation in adults with a corneal abrasion include: 
- Acetaminophen
- Controls pain, but has no anti-inflammatory properties
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
- Narcotic pain medications:
- Require a doctor's prescription
- Generally reserved for moderate to severe pain or severe pain
Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
- Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours.
- Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
- Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions.
- Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.
Aspirin
- Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food.
- There are numerous products that contain aspirin.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours.
- Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation.
- Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Naproxen
- Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food.
- Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
- Its brand name is Aleve.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food.
- Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
- Its brand name is Orudis KT.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
NSAID Precautions
- Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications.
- Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications.
- Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of:
Continue to Corneal Abrasion Pain in Children
Last Updated: Dec 8, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Corneal Abrasion References
- McGwin G Jr, Owsley C. Incidence of emergency department-treated eye injury in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 May;123(5):662-6. [15883286]
- McGwin G Jr, Xie A, Owsley C. Rate of eye injury in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jul;123(7):970-6. [16009840]
- Michael JG, Hug D, Dowd MD. Management of corneal abrasion in children: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2002 Jul;40(1):67-72. [12085075]
- Weaver CS, Terrell KM. Evidence-based emergency medicine. Update: do ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the pain associated with simple corneal abrasion without delaying healing? Ann Emerg Med. 2003 Jan;41(1):134-40. [12514694]