BETA-ADRENERGIC BLOCKING AGENTS (Ophthalmic)

Brand & Generic Names

Apo-Timop	LEVOBUNOLOL
Betagan C Cap B.I.D.	(Ophthalmic)
Betagan C Cap Q.D.	METIPRANOLOL
Betagan Standard Cap	(Ophthalmic)
BETAXOLOL	Ocupress
(Ophthalmic)	OptiPranolol
Betoptic	TIMOLOL
Betoptic S	(Ophthalmic)
CARTEOLOL	Timoptic
(Ophthalmic)	Timoptic in Ocudose
Gen-Timolol

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antiglaucoma

Uses

Treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Eye drops--Follow directions on prescription.

When to take:
At the same time each day according to doctor's instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Once-a-day dose--Apply as soon as you remember. If almost time for next dose, wait and apply at regular time (don't double this dose).
More than once-a-day dose--Apply as soon as you remember. If close to time for next dose, wait and apply at regular time (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Appears to reduce production of aqueous humor (fluid inside eye), thereby reducing pressure inside eye.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 6 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other prescription or non-prescription drug without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, bronchospasm, heart failure (these symptoms are what might be expected if similar drugs were taken orally).

WHAT TO DO:

• For overdose in the eye, flush with warm tap water and call doctor immediately.
• For accidentally ingested overdose or signs of system toxicity, dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see OVERDOSE section.

Common:

Redness of eye or inside of eyelid, decreased night vision, stinging or irritation of eye when medicine applied.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

• Changes in vision; blurred vision; sensa- tion of foreign body in eye; dryness, inflam- mation, discharge or pain in eye; crusty eyelids.
• Symptoms of system absorption may occur.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any beta-adrenergic blocking agent taken orally or used in the eye.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have asthma, a bronchial disorder or pulmonary disease.
• If you have any heart disease or heart problem.
• If you have diabetes, low blood pressure, overactive thyroid or myasthenia gravis.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Give only under close medical supervision. Children may be more sensitive to drug and side effects.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations to check pressure inside eye.

Skin & sunlight:
May cause increased sensitivity to light.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places.

Discontinuing:

• Don't discontinue without doctor's approval.
• May need to discontinue drug temporarily before major surgery. Your doctor will provide instructions.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Drug interactions are unlikel	y unless a significant amount of the eye
medication is absorbed into t	he system. Potential interactions that
may occur are similar to thos	e listed in Possible Drug Interactions
With Other Drugs under Beta-A	drenergic Blocking Agents.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.