Betagan
Generic name:levobunolol ophthalmic [ lee-voe-BYOO-noe-lole ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic glaucoma agents
What is Betagan?
Betagan (for the eyes) is a beta-blocker that is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.
Betagan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Betagan if you have asthma, severe COPD, slow heartbeats, or a heart condition called "AV block."
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to levobunolol, or if you have:
asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
slow heartbeats; or
a heart condition called "AV block."
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
heart problems;
peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder; or
a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I use Betagan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in Betagan could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Betagan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
