LEVOBUNOLOL - OPHTHALMIC

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LEVOBUNOLOL - OPHTHALMIC

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (lee-voe-BYOO-noe-lole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Betagan

GENERIC NAME(S): levobunolol HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. Levobunolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers and works by decreasing the amount of fluid production within the eye.


How to use LEVOBUNOLOL - OPHTHALMIC

HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before using the other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary burning/stinging of the eye, itchy/red eyes, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/discharge, reduced feeling in eye, slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, hair loss, mental/mood changes, vision changes, tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using levobunolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, metipranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), heart problems (e.g., heart failure, sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), blood circulation problems (e.g., cerebrovascular insufficiency, Raynaud's disease), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), muscle weakness disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level, such as dizziness/sweating, are unaffected by this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: digoxin, drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., clonidine, oral beta blockers such as propranolol, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem), epinephrine, fingolimod, phenothiazines (e.g., prochlorperazine).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. If this product is accidentally swallowed, you may experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.