OPHTHALMIC BETA-BLOCKERS

Information for patients concerning the use of Ophthalmic Beta-Blockers for the treatment of glaucoma.

BETA-BLOCKERS (OPHTHALMIC)

TIMOPTIC

BETAGAN

BETIMOL

OPTIPRANOLOL

TIMOLOL

BETOPTIC

OCUPRESS

The following information was developed by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USP), the organization, which sets the official standards of strength, quality, purity, packaging and labeling for drug products in the United States.

Before Using This Medication

Tell your doctor if you have any medical problems, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disease; diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes); heart disease; or overactive thyroid.

About Your Medication

Beta-Blocker ophthalmic drops are used in the eye to treat certain types of glaucoma. This medication works by lowering the pressure in the eye. If any of the information in this leaflet causes you special concern or if you want additional information about your medication and its use, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Remember, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and never share your medications with others.

Proper Use of This Medication

How to apply this medication: First, wash hands. Tilt head back and with the index finger pull lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medication into the pouch and gently close eyes. With middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after the medication has been placed in the eye. Keep eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed during that time. To prevent contamination of the eye drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye) and keep the container tightly closed.

Use this medication only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medication being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

If you miss a dose of medication and your dosing schedule is:

Once a day - Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip it and apply your regularly scheduled dose.
Twice a day - Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Then continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Precautions While Using This Medication

Your doctor will be checking your eye pressure at regular visits to make certain that your glaucoma is being controlled. Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell all the physicians or dentists in charge that you are using this medication.

Possible Side Effects of This Medication

Possible signs of too much medication being absorbed into the body:

  • Irregular slow heartbeat
  • Unusually slow or pounding heartbeat
  • Wheezing or troubled breathing

Burning or stinging of the eye is not unusual and does not require attention.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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