Betagan Levobunolol

1 What is Betagan Levobunolol?

Brand: Betagan

Generic: Levobunolol

Levobunolol, also known and sold under the trade name of Betagan, is a product which belongs to the group of drugs known as beta blockers. It is used in a combination with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye caused by, in most cases, glaucoma, or the cause could also be an ocular hypertension. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid that the eye is producing. By lowering the eye pressure it helps prevent blindness.

This product is available in the form of a solution.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before the decision to start the treatment with Levobunolol is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, the possible side effects and potential risks.

For the decision to be made, the beneficial effects must always outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor together will have to make.

During the consultations with your doctor, make sure you inform your doctor about:

  • Allergies – Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of medication, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any specific type of food, dye, fabric and etc.
  • Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within pediatric patients. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
  • Geriatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within geriatric patients. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
  • Pregnancy – Inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used during pregnancy. It is unknown how this product would affect the infant. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
  • Breastfeeding – Inform your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within nursing mothers. It is unknown if this medicine is extracted in the milk and how would it affect the infant. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
  • Drug interactions – Inform you doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications should not be used in a combination with others because of the possibility that certain interactions could occur. But, sometimes the doctor may decide to treat your condition with certain type of a combination including two or more medications, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial to your condition.
  • Other interactions – Certain types of medications should not be used in a combination with certain types of food, tobacco and/or alcohol. Because of this, it is very important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow any specific type of diet, as well as discontinue you use of tobacco and/or alcohol during the treatment.
  • Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or still present at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there has ever been a history or a presence at the moment of any of the following conditions – asthma, bradycardia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart block, heart failure, stroke, blood vessel disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, or sulfite allergy.

3 Proper Usage

For proper use get directions from your doctor. Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after every application. Also, remember to remove your contact lenses before applying the medications and wait at least 15 minutes before replacing them.

To avoid contamination, avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye. To apply the medication – tilt your head backwards, pull down the lower eyelid and apply the eye drops here. Close your eyes and wait for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are using any other kind medications e.g. ointment, make sure to apply the eye drops first and then the ointment. Use this medication regularly to get the most beneficial effects from it.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. The usual dose is 1 to 2 drops, twice a day. If you forget to apply the medication, do it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. But, if the time for the next dose is near, wait and apply the next one.

This product is harmful if swallowed. Of swallowing is suspected, inform the doctor for further directions.

4 Precautions to Take

Visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any needed adjustments, regarding the dose (e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose) or the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment with this product if there are any serious side effects present.

Inform the doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any specific type of medication, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this product may contain inactive substances that could cause interactions to occur.

Inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. The doctor will probably recommend a proven form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy during the treatment.

Inform your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication should not be used within nursing mothers. This medication could cause dizziness to occur. Because of this, avoid driving or any other activities which require alertness and clear vision.

5 Potential Side Effects

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there are possible side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur within all patients, also the side effects could be mild or more serious. Either way, it is essential that you get informed about the potential side effects so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Temporary burning/stinging of the eye, itchy/red eyes, headache, or dizziness are common side effects that do not usually require medical help. But, if they persist or worsen inform the doctor right away.

  • Serious side effects – eye pain/swelling, slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, hair loss, mental/mood changes, vision changes, swelling of the ankles/feet, sudden weight gain. Inform the doctor about their present right away.

A very serious allergic reaction is not common, but it you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor right away.

  • skin rash
  • swelling of the feet
  • hands
  • face
  • tongue
  • trouble breathing
  • or severe dizziness
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