Netarsudil (Eye Drop)

Netarsudil is an eye drop medicine used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension by helping fluid drain more easily from your eye.

Drug class	Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitor
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.02%
Common Indian brands	Rhopressa, newer Indian brands emerging
Prescription status	Prescription

What Netarsudil is used for

Netarsudil eye drops are prescribed to help manage certain eye conditions that can lead to vision loss if not treated. Specifically, it is used for:

• Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, where the eye’s drainage system doesn’t work as well as it should, causing pressure to build up inside the eye.
• Ocular hypertension: This means you have higher-than-normal pressure inside your eye, but without any signs of optic nerve damage yet. It’s often a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

Netarsudil belongs to a newer class of medicines designed to effectively lower eye pressure.

How it works

Netarsudil works in a unique way to reduce the pressure inside your eye. It is known as a Rho Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Here’s how it helps:

• Relaxing the drainage system: Your eye has a natural drainage meshwork that allows fluid to flow out. Netarsudil helps to relax this meshwork, making it easier for the fluid to drain out of your eye.
• Lowering pressure in drainage veins: It also helps to reduce the pressure in the small veins that are part of your eye’s drainage system.

By improving both these aspects, Netarsudil effectively lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial for managing glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

How it’s used

Using Netarsudil eye drops correctly is very important for its effectiveness. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions precisely.

• Dosing: The typical dose is 1 drop once at night in the affected eye(s).
• Application: Make sure your hands are clean before handling the bottle. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and gently squeeze the bottle to instil one drop. Close your eye gently for a minute or two without blinking or squeezing.
• Consistency: Use the drops at the same time each night as prescribed by your doctor to maintain consistent eye pressure control.
• Multiple eye drops: If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to ensure each drop has enough time to be absorbed and to prevent them from washing each other out.

Remember, this is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Rhopressa
• newer Indian brands emerging

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Netarsudil is an effective medicine, it’s important to be aware of potential precautions and common side effects. Your doctor will discuss these with you.

• Conjunctival redness: This is a very common side effect, affecting over half of patients. Your eye might appear red, especially after instilling the drops. This is usually mild and often improves over time.
• Small brown deposits (cornea verticillata): In some cases, tiny, harmless brown deposits can appear on the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). These are generally not noticeable to you, do not affect vision, and are reversible, meaning they usually disappear after stopping the medication.
• Prescription medicine: Netarsudil is a prescription-only medicine. Never use it without a doctor’s prescription and guidance.
• General eye hygiene: Always wash your hands before using eye drops. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
• Storage: Store the bottle as advised by your pharmacist, usually at room temperature or as directed on the packaging.

If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, or if your eye condition worsens, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Understanding Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside your eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, often has no early warning signs, which is why regular eye check-ups are so important, especially if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have other risk factors.

Ocular hypertension means the pressure inside your eye is higher than normal, but your optic nerve is not yet damaged. People with ocular hypertension are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma in the future, and your doctor might prescribe medication like Netarsudil to lower this pressure and protect your vision.

The goal of treating both conditions is to lower the pressure in your eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Medicines like Netarsudil play a crucial role in managing these conditions and preserving your eyesight.

Correctly Using Eye Drops for Best Results

Using eye drops correctly is essential for them to work effectively and to avoid complications. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
2. Check the Bottle: Make sure you have the correct eye drops and check the expiry date.
3. Prepare: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Avoid touching your eye or eyelashes with the tip of the bottle. Gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket you created.
5. Close Your Eye: Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink or squeeze your eye tightly, as this can push the medicine out. You can also gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to help keep the medicine in your eye.
6. Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
7. Multiple Drops: If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each different medication. This ensures that each drop has enough time to be absorbed and prevents them from washing each other out.

Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding the number of drops and how often to use them. Consistency is key for managing your eye condition.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene is vital when using eye drops. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infections. Always replace the cap immediately after use to keep the dropper tip clean and prevent contamination. Store your Netarsudil eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or on the packaging, typically at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not use eye drops if the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy.

It’s important to know when to contact your ophthalmologist. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden changes in your vision.
• Increased eye pain, redness, or irritation that doesn’t go away.
• Signs of an eye infection, such as pus or discharge.
• New or worsening side effects from the eye drops.
• If you accidentally get the eye drops in your mouth or swallow them.
• If you miss several doses or are unsure about your dosing schedule.

Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor your eye pressure and the health of your optic nerve. Even if you feel well, continuing your treatment as prescribed and attending these appointments will help protect your vision in the long term. Remember, this page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Frequently asked questions

What is Netarsudil used for?

Netarsudil eye drops are used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. These conditions involve elevated pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if not managed.

How does Netarsudil work?

Netarsudil works by relaxing the eye's main drainage meshwork, allowing fluid to drain out more easily. It also helps to lower the pressure in the eye's drainage veins. Both actions help to reduce the pressure inside your eye.

What are the common brands of Netarsudil available in India?

Internationally, Netarsudil is known by the brand name Rhopressa. In India, newer Indian brands are emerging in the market.

How should I use Netarsudil eye drops?

You should typically instil 1 drop of Netarsudil in the affected eye(s) once at night, or exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist. Always wash your hands before use and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.

Do I need a prescription for Netarsudil?

Yes, Netarsudil is a prescription eye medicine. You should only use it under the guidance and prescription of a qualified ophthalmologist.

What are the key precautions or side effects I should be aware of?

A very common side effect is conjunctival redness, where your eye might appear red. Small, harmless brown deposits on the cornea (cornea verticillata) can also appear but are reversible. Always discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your doctor.

References

1. Netarsudil Ophthalmic Solution – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – NIH
2. Netarsudil Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
3. Glaucoma – National Eye Institute
4. What Is Glaucoma? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
5. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.