Betagan eye drops (Levobunolol)

Information about Betagan Eye Drops (Levobunolol)

Betagan Eye Drops, containing levobunolol, are a prescription medication used to lower intraocular pressure in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Levobunolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist (beta-blocker) that works by reducing the production of fluid within the eye, thus helping to prevent damage to the optic nerve.

Product Highlights

• Used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• Levobunolol, the active ingredient, is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist that reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production in the eye.
• Regular eye examinations are necessary to monitor intraocular pressure and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Key Ingredient

• Levobunolol

Key Benefits

• Helps to control elevated pressure within the eye, which is crucial for managing conditions like glaucoma.
• By lowering intraocular pressure, it helps prevent damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision associated with glaucoma.
• Provides a non-invasive approach to managing elevated eye pressure compared to surgical alternatives.

Direction of Use

• Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly.
• Instill Drops: Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket, and apply the prescribed number of drops into the pocket.
• Close Eyes: Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• Avoid Touching the Eye or Dropper: To prevent contamination, avoid letting the dropper touch your eye or any other surface.
• Follow Prescribed Schedule: Use as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily.

Safety Concerns

• May include some side effects burning or stinging in the eyes, dry eyes, headache, or blurred vision. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe eye irritation, difficulty breathing, or a slow heart rate.
• As levobunolol can be absorbed into the bloodstream, it may cause systemic side effects like low blood pressure or bradycardia (slow heart rate), especially in those with underlying heart conditions.
• May interact with other medications, especially other beta-blockers or medications affecting heart rate and blood pressure. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Avoid Betagan Eye Drops (Levobunolol) If

• You are allergic to levobunolol or any other component of the eye drops.
• You have a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as beta-blockers can exacerbate these conditions.
• You have a history of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or certain heart conditions that could be worsened by beta-blockers.
• Regular eye examinations are necessary to monitor intraocular pressure and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.You are using medications that may interact adversely with beta-blockers or have contraindications with levobunolol.