levobunolol ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

levobunolol ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

AK-Beta, Betagan

What is the most important information I should know about levobunolol ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

What is levobunolol ophthalmic?

Levobunolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Levobunolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using levobunolol ophthalmic?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• asthma or a chronic lung disease;

• a very slow heart rate;

• heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;

• diabetes; or

• an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to use levobunolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Levobunolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether levobunolol ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known whether levobunolol passes into breast milk. Do not use levobunolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use levobunolol ophthalmic?

Use levobunolol eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying levobunolol ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To use the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. It is a sterile surface. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store levobunolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested.

Symptoms of a levobunolol overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and heart attack.