Betagan

Betagan - General Information

A nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist used in the treatment of glaucoma.

Pharmacology of Betagan

Betagan is an ophthalmic beta-blocker, equally effective at β(1)- and β(2)-receptor sites. The levorotatory isomer of bunolol, levobunolol is used for the treatment of IOP due to open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Betagan for patients

Description

This medicine is used to manage glaucoma and to lower increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure)

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

Remove your contact lenses and leave them off for at least 15 minutes after you put this medicine in your eyes. First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, form a pouch, by pulling your lid away from the eye. Gently place a drop into the pouch and close your eyes. Immediately press your finger against the corner of your eye to close off the tear duct, for 1 minute after you put the drop in your eye. This will avoid excessive absorption into the body. Do not touch the applicator tip to the eye or any other surface.

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Protect from light. Store unopened bottle under refrigeration (36 to 46 degrees F). Once opened may store at room temperature for 6 weeks.

• burning of the eyes or irritation
• blurred vision
• growth of eyelashes
• pigmentation of the eye (iridial)

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma
• diabets
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney or liver disease
• slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• diabetes
• thyroid disease

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant talk to your doctor about the benefits verses the risk of taking this medicine. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you plan to breast feed while taking this medicine.

For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.

Betagan Interactions

Although BETAGAN used alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis resulting from concomitant therapy with BETAGAN and epinephrine may occur.

Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia, which may produce vertigo, syncope or postural hypotension.

Patients receiving beta-adrenergic blocking agents along with either oral or intravenous calcium antagonists should be monitored for possible atrioventricular conduction disturbances, left ventricular failure and hypotension. In patients with impaired cardiac function, simultaneous use should be avoided altogether.

The concomitant use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents with digitalis and calcium antagonists may have additive effects on prolonging atrioventricular conduction time.

Phenothiazine-related compounds and beta-adrenergic blocking agents may have additive hypotensite effects due to the inhibition of each otherís metabolism.

Betagan Contraindications

BETAGAN is contraindicated in those individuals with bronchial asthma, or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; sinus bradycardia; second and third degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock; or hypersensitivity to any component of these products.

Additional information about Betagan

Betagan Indication: For lowering intraocular pressure and may be used in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Mechanism Of Action: Betagan's mechanism of action in reducing IOP is believed to be due to a reduction of the production of aqueous humor via inhibition of adrenergically driven processes within the ciliary processes.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Levobunolol
Synonyms: Levobunolol HCl; Levobunololum [Inn-Latin]
Drug Category: Sympatholytics; EENT Drugs
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Levobunolol: Akbeta; Betagan;
Absorption: 80%
Toxicity (Overdose): Bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, and acute cardiac failure, LD₅₀=700 mg/kg (orally in rat).
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic
Half Life: 20 hours
Dosage Forms of Betagan: Solution Ophthalmic
Liquid Ophthalmic
Chemical IUPAC Name: 5-[(2S)-3-(tert-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one
Chemical Formula: C17H25NO3
Levobunolol on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levobunolol
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals