Carteolol eye solution

What is this medication?

CARTEOLOL (KAR tee oh lole) treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ocupress

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• heart or blood vessel disease
• lung disease like asthma or emphysema
• thyroid disease
• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carteolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• medicines for high blood pressure
• reserpine

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular eye pressure exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how carteolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain or palpitations
• cold hands or feet
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

• slow heart rate
• swelling of the eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids
• changes in vision
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.