Betagan Eye Drops is a ophthalmic (for the eyes) medicine made up of levobunolol, also known as a beta-blocker. You can buy this medication as the brand choice; Betagan Eye Drops, or you can buy them as Betagans active ingredient; Levobunolo Eye Drops, both are made with the same active ingredients and are available in 0.25% and 0.50%.

Betagan Eye Drops can be used by itself, or in combination with other medications, to treat high pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma (open angle type). It will also work for treating other eye diseases, such as ocular hypertension.

Levobunolo works by lowering the high pressure in the eye to help prevent blindness and decreasing the amount of fluid production that goes on inside the eye.

Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lens; levobunolo could stain them. Do not put lens in for 15 minutes after applying medication to the eyes.

Only use the amount of eye drops directed by your doctor.

How to use Betagan/Levobunolo Eye Drops:

• Tilt your head back
• Look upward
• Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eye lid
• Hold dropper above eye; apply 1 drop into the pouch
• Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes

You should have regular eye checks up to ensure your glaucoma is under control.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Your vision may be temporarily blurred within the first hour of using this medication. This isn’t a concern. If it is prolonged contact your doctor right away.

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.

More common;

Blurred vision, temporary decreased night vision stinging of eye or other eye irritation (when medicine is applied) The side effect of blurred vision is associated primarily with levobetaxolol and the timolol gel-forming solution and usually lasts from thirty seconds to five minutes.

Less common;

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• brow ache (pain behind or around eyebrows)
• constipation
• crusting of eyelashes
• dryness of eye
• dry skin

Sign of skin reaction;

• Fever
• sore throat
• burning eyes
• skin pain
• red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling

What does the bottle look like?

Betagan Eye Drops come in a white bottle with a yellow lid.

What are some overdose signs?

Overdose symptoms include; slow heart rate, feeling light-headed, and/or shortness of breath. If you suspect yourself, or anyone else, to be having an overdose, call your local emergency service right away.

Can children use these eye drops?

Safety and effectiveness have not yet been established in those under the age of 18 years old. Consult your doctor to learn more.

What are the disease interactions related to levobunolol?

The major disease interactions include;

• asthma/COPD
• bradycardia/AV block
• cardiogenic shock
• CHF diabetes
• hypersensitivity
• hyperthyroidism PVD