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Levobunolol ophthalmic

Generic name: levobunolol ophthalmic [lee-voe-BYOO-noe-lole]
Brand names: Betagan, Akbeta, Levobunolol, Betagan C-Cap
Ophthalmic solution (0.5%)
Drug class: ophthalmic agents

What is Levobunolol ophthalmic?

Levobunolol (for the eyes), a beta blocker, is used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma as well as other causes of increased pressure in the eye.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Levobunolol.

Side effects of Levobunolol

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.

Levobunolol can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • If you experience severe swelling, itching, or burning in your eye, or if you feel pain or discomfort around the eye,
  • Bronchospasm is a condition that causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
  • Slow heart rate, weak pulse
  • Numbness, cold sensation, or pale appearance on your fingers or toes

Levobunolol Ophthalmic Side Effects

  • Mild burning, stinging or discomfort in the eyes;
  • Are You Feeling Confused Over Eye Issues
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness, weakness;
  • Headache
  • Rash or itching

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Epinephrine for ophthalmic use, Latanoprost Ophthalmic, Timolol for ophthalmic use, Brimonidine for ophthalmic use, Pilocarpine Ophthalmic, Lumigan, and Xalatan

Warnings

Levobunolol should not be used if you suffer from asthma or severe COPD. You also shouldn't use it if your heart rate is slow or if you are suffering from AV block, a condition that causes slowed heartbeats.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

  • Asthma or severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD);
  • Slow heartbeats
  • A heart condition known as "AV block"

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Breathing problems, such as bronchitis and emphysema.
  • Heart problems
  • Peripheral arterial disease, such as Raynaud syndrome.
  • Diabetes;
  • A thyroid disorder,
  • A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.

Tell your doctor if pregnant or nursing.

How to take Levobunolol ophthalmic?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Use only when wearing soft lenses. Levobunolol ophthalmic contains a preservative that could permanently stain lenses. Use the medication at least 15 minutes prior to inserting your contacts.Before using eye medications, wash your hands.Applying eye drops is as simple as tilting your head back and pulling down your lower eyelid. 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 the tip or placing it directly on your eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems.Store away from heat or light at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.If you experience any type of eye injury or infection, tell your doctor immediately. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have any type of surgery. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medicine.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

Solution 0.25%: Two to three drops in each eye twice daily.
Solution 0.5%: 1 to 2 drops per eye, once or twice a day.
Comments:
Patients with severe glaucoma or uncontrolled glaucoma can receive the 0.5% solution twice daily.
If intraocular tension is not satisfactory, the patient can receive a concomitant treatment with dipivefrin, epinephrine, and/or other miotics and/or pilocarpine, as well as systemically administered carbonic-anhydrase inhibiters such as acetazolamide.
Patients should not take two or more beta-adrenergic blockers for ophthalmic use at the same time.
Use: Lowering intraocular tension in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension

Adult dose for glaucoma:

Solution 0.25%: Two to three drops in each eye twice daily.
Solution 0.5%: 1 to 2 drops per eye, once or twice a day.
Comments:
Patients with severe or uncontrolled cases of glaucoma can receive the 0.5% solution twice daily.
If intraocular tension is not satisfactory, dipivefrin, epinephrine, and/or other miotics and/or pilocarpine, as well as systemically administered carbonic-anhydrase inhibiters such as acetazolamide, can be used.
Patients should not take two or more beta-adrenergic blockers for ophthalmic use at the same time.
Use: Lowering intraocular tension in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension

What happens if I miss the dose?

Skip the missed dose if you're almost due to take your next dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.Overdose symptoms include feeling lightheaded or experiencing a slow heartbeat.

What should be avoided?

Levobunolol may impair your reaction. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, particularly heart or blood pressure medications.Levobunolol may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.