What it's used for
This ophthalmic solution is used as a topical anesthetic for short corneal and conjunctival procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, and the removal of corneal foreign bodies.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
For foreign body removal, sutures, and tonometry, 1 to 2 drops are instilled in each eye before the procedure.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
This product is for topical ophthalmic use only and should not be injected or used long-term.
Common side effects
Occasional temporary stinging, burning, and conjunctival redness may occur, along with rare reports of corneal edema.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Proparacaine cost without insurance
Cash prices for Proparacaine without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Proparacaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Proparacaine dosage and administration
Usual Dosage: Removal of foreign bodies and sutures, and for tonometry: 1 to 2 drops (in single instillations) in each eye before operating. Short Corneal and Conjunctival Procedures: 1 drop in each eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses. NOTE: ALCAINE™ (proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.5% should be clear to straw-color. If the solution becomes darker, discard the solution.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Proparacaine side effects
Occasional temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of proparacaine. Corneal edema has been reported following the use of proparacaine. A rare, severe, immediate-type, apparently hyperallergic corneal reaction characterized by acute, intense and diffuse epithelial keratitis, a gray, ground glass appearance, sloughing of large areas of necrotic epithelium, corneal filaments and, sometimes, iritis with descemetitis has been reported. Allergic contact dermatitis from proparacaine with drying and fissuring of the fingertips has also been reported.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Who should not take proparacaine
ALCAINE™ ophthalmic solution should be considered contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is proparacaine covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Proparacaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get proparacaine through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a proparacaine prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does proparacaine cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for proparacaine vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Proparacaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get proparacaine?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of proparacaine are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of proparacaine?
Usual Dosage: Removal of foreign bodies and sutures, and for tonometry: 1 to 2 drops (in single instillations) in each eye before operating. Short Corneal and Conjunctival Procedures: 1 drop in each eye every 5 to 10 minutes for 5 to 7 doses. NOTE: ALCAINE™ (proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.5% should be clear to straw-color. If the solution becomes darker, discard the solution. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of proparacaine?
Occasional temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness may occur with the use of proparacaine. Corneal edema has been reported following the use of proparacaine. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
Proparacaine is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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