carteolol ophthalmic
Generic Name: carteolol ophthalmic (CAR tee oh lol)
Brand Names: Ocupress
What is carteolol ophthalmic?
Carteolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Carteolol ophthalmic reduces pressure
inside the eye.
Carteolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
Carteolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about carteolol
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using carteolol
ophthalmic?
Before using carteolol ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have
-
asthma or another 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 carteolol ophthalmic, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Carteolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether carteolol 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.
Carteolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not use
carteolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use carteolol ophthalmic?
Use carteolol ophthalmic 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 carteolol ophthalmic. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
To apply the eyedrops:
-
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.
The dropper is sterile. 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 carteolol 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 carteolol ophthalmic overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of
breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a heart attack.
What should I avoid while using carteolol 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.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying carteolol ophthalmic. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with carteolol ophthalmic except under
the direction of your doctor.
Carteolol ophthalmic side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using carteolol
ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
-
an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing); or
-
congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, or
anxiety).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use carteolol ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect carteolol ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with carteolol ophthalmic except under
the direction of your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking another beta-blocker by
mouth, such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), or metoprolol (Lopressor). You may
have an increased chance of side effects if you also use carteolol ophthalmic.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with carteolol ophthalmic. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about carteolol ophthalmic written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Carteolol ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Ocupress 1%.
Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about carteolol ophthalmic, especially if this medication is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,
and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has
been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the
expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision Date: 2/6/04 4:42:52 PM.
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