What is Carteolol Ophthalmic?
Carteolol reduces the pressure in your eye. Carteolol (for the eyes) is used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure in the eye. Carteolol ophthalmic can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Carteolol Ophthalmic
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to your face, lips or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Carteolol can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- You may experience severe itching or burning around or in your eye.
- Bronchospasm is an unpleasant condition characterized by chest pain, difficulty in breathing and wheezing.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Heart rate can be fast, slow, or uneven.
- Heart problems: swelling, rapid weight gain, or feeling short of breath.
- Signs of an eye infection include swelling, discomfort, crusting, or drainage.
Some of the common side effects associated with carteolol eye drops include:
- Redness of the eye; irritation or burning;
- Watery eyes
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Eyelids that are droopy, puffy, or droopy
- Headache, dizziness, weakness;
- Stuffy nose, sinus pain;
- Changed sense of taste
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Reduced night vision
- Your eyes may be more sensitive.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA with concerns over side effects is easy: simply dial 800-FDA-1088!
Warnings
Carteolol Ophthalmic should not be used if you suffer from asthma, severe COPD, or serious heart conditions such as slow heartbeats, heart failure, or "AV Block."
Before you take this drug
This carteolol eye drop should not be used if:
- Asthma or severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD);
- You fainted because of slow heartbeats.
- Severe heart failure;
- A heart condition like "AV block" (second or third degree).
Communicate any of the following to your doctor:
- Breathing problems, such as bronchitis and emphysema.
- Congestive heart failure;
- Diabetes;
- A blood clot or stroke
- A thyroid disorder,
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Carteolol Ophthalmic?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication, and keep all labeling instructions in mind. Follow the directions on the label.
Use only when wearing soft lenses. The preservative contained in carteolol ophthalmic may permanently stain lenses. Prior to using any eye medication, wash both hands thoroughly with soap and water first.
Applying eye drops requires nothing more than tilting back your head and pulling down on your lower lid to form a pocket for them to settle into.Squeeze a few drops into the pocket created by holding the dropper over the eye. Close your eyes for a minute or two. Only use the prescribed number of drops. Avoid touching or placing directly onto your eye with the tip. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems.
You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor before you use any other eyedrops. If you experience any type of eye injury or infection, call your doctor immediately.
Tell your surgeon that you are currently using carteolol ophthalmic if you require surgery, especially eye surgery. You may have to stop using the drug for a few days. Store away from heat or light at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
Two drops in the eye(s) affected twice daily
Comments:
If the intraocular tension is not satisfactory, a concomitant treatment with pilocarpine or other miotics and/or dipivefrin and/or epinephrine, as well as systemically administered carbonic-anhydrase inhibiters such as acetazolamide, may be initiated.
Use: Lowering intraocular pressure for patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension
Adult dose for glaucoma:
Two drops in the eye(s) affected twice daily
Comments:
If the intraocular tension is not satisfactory, a concomitant treatment with pilocarpine or other miotics and/or dipivefrin and/or epinephrine, as well as systemically administered carbonic-anhydrase inhibiters such as acetazolamide, may be initiated.
Use: Lowering intraocular pressure for patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, forget the missed one and wait. Doing otherwise would result in taking two of the same medicine at once and could result in unexpected side effects.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning and seek immediate medical advice or seek emergency care immediately. Overdose symptoms include a slow heartbeat, wheezing or feeling short of breath, and fainting.
What should be avoided?
Carteolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of any additional medications taken, such as:
- Beta blocker, such as atenolol (carvedilol), labetalol (labetalol), metoprolol (nadolol), nebivolol (nebivolol), propranolol (sotalol), and others.
This list is incomplete. Carteolol Ophthalmic may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
