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Levobunolol Ophthalmic
(lee voe byoo' noe lole)
Other Names:AKBeta, Betagan
Why is this medication prescribed?
Levobunolol is used to treat glaucoma, a condition
in which increased
pressure in the eye can lead to
gradual loss of vision. Levobunolol decreases the
pressure in the eye.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
How should this medicine be used?
Levobunolol comes as eyedrops. Levobunolol usually
is applied once or twice a day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Use levobunolol exactly as
directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it
more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Levobunolol controls glaucoma but does not cure it.
Continue to use levobunolol even if you feel well.
Do not stop using levobunolol without talking to
your doctor.
For eyedrop installation instructions, click here.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using levobunolol eyedrops:
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to levobunolol, other beta blockers,
sulfites, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially other eye medications, beta blockers,
such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol),
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor),
nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace),
or timolol (Blocadren); quinidine (Quinidex,
Quinaglute Dura-Tabs); verapamil (Calan, Isoptin);
and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
thyroid, heart, or lung disease; congestive heart
failure; or diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using levobunolol, call your
doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
using levobunolol.
• if you are using another eyedrop medication, use
the eye medications at least 10 minutes apart.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from levobunolol are not
common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• eye stinging or burning
• discomfort, redness, or itching of the eye
• swelling of the eyelids
• decreased vision
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
stop using the eyedrops and call your doctor
immediately:
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• faintness
• swelling of the feet and legs
• sudden weight gain
What storage conditions are needed for this
medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in,
tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store
it at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor
will order certain eye tests to check your response
to levobunolol.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about refilling
your prescription.
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