Which of the following is NOT a suitable home-going analgesic for a corneal abrasion?

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A home-going analgesic for a corneal abrasion needs to be effective in managing pain while also ensuring patient safety and comfort. Proparacaine is a topical anesthetic that is typically used in clinical settings for procedures involving the eye, but it is not intended for home use. The reason for this is that proparacaine can mask symptoms and lead to potential complications if the underlying condition is not properly monitored. Additionally, prolonged use can result in toxicity to the corneal epithelium, hindering healing rather than promoting it.

In contrast, cyclopentolate is used primarily for pupil dilation and may help relieve spasms of the iris, but it isn’t specifically focused on analgesia. Narcotic analgesics, while they can provide pain relief, are generally not the best choice due to their risk of dependency and side effects, particularly for an injury like a corneal abrasion. Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are safer and more appropriate, as they help manage pain without the complications associated with the other options. Therefore, proparacaine is not suitable for home use in managing pain from a corneal abrasion.

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