Betagan

The recommended dose of Betagan (Levobunolol) eye drops is 1 drop of Betagan (Levobunolol) 0.5% once or twice a day in the affected eye(s). Doses greater than 1 drop twice daily have not been found to be any more effective.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct way to instill the eye drops. Betagan (Levobunolol) is for external use only. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, since this may contaminate the solution. Protect the medication from light and excessive heat. Discard any unused solution after the end of the treatment period.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Betagan (Levobunolol) regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Betagan (Levobunolol) at room temperature, protect it and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

0.5%
Each mL of sterile ophthalmic solution contains 5 mg of Betagan (Levobunolol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.004% (as preservative), edetate disodium, polyvinyl alcohol (Liquifilm), potassium phosphate monobasic, sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, sodium phosphate dibasic, and sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.

Do not take Betagan (Levobunolol) if you:

• are allergic to Betagan (Levobunolol) or any ingredients of Betagan (Levobunolol)
• have Asthma or a history of asthma or severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (e.g., chronic Bronchitis or emphysema)
• have certain abnormal heart rhythms associated with slowing down of the heart rate
• have overt heart failure
• suffer from cardiogenic shock

There may be an interaction between Betagan (Levobunolol) and any of the following:

• alpha/beta agonists (e.g., Epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• Amiodarone
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• beta 2-agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• Ceritinib
• Clonidine
• Digoxin
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
• Fentanyl
• Fingolimod
• Galantamine
• grass pollen allergen extract
• Guanfacine
• Ivabradine
• Lacosamide
• Lanreotide
• lidocaine
• methyldopa
• Octreotide
• Pasireotide
• Propafenone
• Regorafenib
• Rivastigmine
• Tizanidine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Tofacitinib

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Betagan (Levobunolol). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Betagan (Levobunolol).

Allergies: Betagan (Levobunolol) should be used with caution by anyone with a known allergy to other beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol).

Medical conditions: Betagan (Levobunolol) belongs to the family of medications known as beta-blockers. Although Betagan (Levobunolol) is given as an eye drop, small amounts may be absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, it should not be used by anyone who must avoid internal use of beta-blockers. This includes those with abnormally low heart rate, certain abnormal heart rhythms, uncontrolled Congestive Heart Failure, asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sulfites: This product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), in certain susceptible people. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in those with asthma.

Pregnancy: Betagan (Levobunolol) has not been studied for use by pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Betagan (Levobunolol) passes into breast milk. Related medications have been shown to pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about breast-feeding while using Betagan (Levobunolol).

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Betagan (Levobunolol) have not been established for use by children.