DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: levobunolol ophthalmic (lee voe BYOO noe lole)
Brand Names: AK-Beta, Betagan

What is AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Levobunolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Levobunolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• asthma or a chronic lung disease;

• a very slow heart rate;

• heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;

• diabetes; or

• an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to use levobunolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Levobunolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether levobunolol ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known whether levobunolol passes into breast milk. Do not use levobunolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Use levobunolol eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying levobunolol ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To use the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. It is a sterile surface. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store levobunolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested.

Symptoms of a levobunolol overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and heart attack.

What should I avoid while using AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could case an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying levobunolol ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with levobunolol ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using levobunolol ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);

• an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing); or

• congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, or anxiety).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use levobunolol ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

• burning and stinging;

• headache;

• fainting;

• fatigue;

• nausea;

• depression; or

• irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect AK-Beta (levobunolol ophthalmic)?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with levobunolol ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking another beta-blocker by mouth, such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), or metoprolol (Lopressor). You may be at risk for increased side effects if you also use levobunolol ophthalmic.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with levobunolol ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about levobunolol ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Levobunolol is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Betagan Liquifilm in 0.25% and 0.5% strengths and AK Beta in 0.25% and 0.5% strengths. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision Date: 2/6/04 4:14:25 PM.