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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• burning and stinging;
• headache;
• fainting;
• fatigue;
• nausea;
• depression; or
• irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure.

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.

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.

Your pharmacist has additional information about carteolol ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

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.