Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Carteolol HCl ophthalmic

Carteolol HCl ophthalmic Drug Category CARTEOLOL - OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

Carteolol HCl ophthalmic Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. CARTEOLOL - OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION (kar-TEE-oh-lol, off-THAL-mick) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ocupress USES: This medication is used to treat glaucoma and to reduce pressure in the eye. HOW TO USE: Use this medication as directed. Try to use it at the same time each day to get into a routine of taking this. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Apply eye drops to the affected eye(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do no rinse the dropper. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eyes for a minute or two when applied. Other side effects reported include brow ache, tearing and sensitivity to light. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable for a period after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, eye pain, swelling in or around the eyes, vision problems, breathing trouble, slow or irregular heartbeat, headache, dizziness or depression while using this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have asthma, heart disease, lung disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, muscle disease or any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including heart medication, blood pressure medication, quinidine or verapamil. If you are scheduled for any surgery, be sure your doctor knows you are taking this drug. It may be necessary to stop using this for a short time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. NOTES: Your intraocular (eye) pressure will be monitored to check the effectiveness of this medication. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Discard this if the solution turns brown, cloudy or contains particles. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).