Levobunolol ophthalmic

Levobunolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a beta-blocker used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other reasons for high pressure inside the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in levobunolol ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using levobunolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

You do not use levobunolol ophthalmic if you have asthma, severe COPD, slow heartbeats, or a heart condition called "AV block."

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to levobunolol, or if you have:

• asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• slow heartbeats; or
• a heart condition called "AV block."

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
• heart problems;
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat, or if you experience a serious skin reaction, which may include fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or a red or purple rash that blisters and peels.

Levobunolol ophthalmic can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, pain, or discomfort in or around your eye;
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing);
• feeling faint or light-headed, as if you might pass out;
• a slow heart rate or weak pulse; or
• numbness, a cold feeling, or pale color in your fingers or toes.

Common side effects of levobunolol ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eye;
• the sensation of something in your eye;
• blurred vision;
• dizziness or weakness;
• headache; or
• rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

0.25% solution: One to two drops in the affected eye(s) twice a day0.5% solution: One to two drops in the affected eye(s) once a dayComments:-In patients with more severe or uncontrolled glaucoma, the 0.5% solution can be administered twice a day.-If intraocular pressure is not at a satisfactory level, concomitant therapy with dipivefrin and/or epinephrine, and/or pilocarpine and other miotics, and/or systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, can be instituted.-Patients should not use two or more topical ophthalmic beta-adrenergic blocking drugs concomitantly.Use: Lowering intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma and intraocular hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

0.25% solution: One to two drops in the affected eye(s) twice a day0.5% solution: One to two drops in the affected eye(s) once a dayComments:-In patients with more severe or uncontrolled glaucoma, the 0.5% solution can be administered twice a day.-If intraocular pressure is not at a satisfactory level, concomitant therapy with dipivefrin and/or epinephrine, and/or pilocarpine and other miotics, and/or systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, can be instituted.-Patients should not use two or more topical ophthalmic beta-adrenergic blocking drugs concomitantly.Use: Lowering intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma and intraocular hypertension

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, feeling light-headed, or shortness of breath.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levobunolol ophthalmic will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you take, particularly heart or blood pressure medications.

Other drugs can affect levobunolol ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.