Optipranolol

Optipranolol is used in the treatment of glaucoma or a condition called ocular hypertension. It is a beta blocker.

It lowers eye pressure by reducing production of fluid in the eye. It is available in the form of a solution, only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before using Optipranolol, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

There are no adequate studies done which prove Metipranolol harmful effects in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution in a patient who has kidney or liver diseases.

Pregnancy

It is a category C drug. It is not safe in pregnancy. It may cause harm and abnormalities in an unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Metipranolol is not known if it can pass into breast milk or not. If you are using it while nursing, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Metipranolol may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.
Some of them are listed below,

• Propranolol
• Bupivacaine,
• Diltiazem
• Reserpine
• Digoxin
• Disopyramide
• Flecainide
• Insulin
• Ketanserin
• Chlorpromazine
• Alfuzosin
• Verapamil
• Clonidine

Other Medical Problem

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Lung diseases (bronchitis, breathing problems, COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart diseases (first-degree heart block, heart failure)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Blood flow or blood vessel problems
• Myasthenia gravis

Proper usage of Optipranolol requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries. Shake well before each use.

To use Metipranolol drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. Wait 15 minutes before putting lenses back in the eye.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. It is best to take each dose at equally spaced times a day and night. You must follow your doctor’s instructions.

For glaucoma or ocular hypertension

• Adults: One drop in the affected eye(s) two times a day.
• Doses in children are determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Optipranolol, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.

If it is not improving your symptoms, or your symptoms become worse, inform your doctor right away. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Metipranolol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

It may alter your blood sugar levels. Keep a track on your blood sugar level. This medicine may increase your risk of heart failure if you have a history of heart disease.

Inform your doctor if you notice any:

• chest pain
• decreased urine output
• an uneven heartbeat
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• troubled breathing
• rapid weight gain while using this medicine

Metipranolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Metipranolol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Optipranolol. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Blurred vision
• Brow ache
• Increased tearing
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms of overdose:

• Confusion
• Dilated neck veins
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly.
• Extreme fatigue
• Irregular breathing
• Swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• Weight gain

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