This medication is used alone or with other medications
to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or
other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure
inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. Levobunolol belongs to a class
of drugs known as beta blockers and works by decreasing the amount of fluid
production within the eye.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for
1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose)
and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining
out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your
other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1
drop.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before using the other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to
enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Keep using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma
or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.
Temporary burning/stinging of the eye, itchy/red eyes,
headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/discharge
- reduced feeling in eye
- slow/irregular heartbeat
- muscle weakness
- hair loss
- mental/mood changes
- vision changes
- tiredness
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- sudden/unexplained weight gain
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- trouble breathing
- chest pain
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- confusion
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using levobunolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other beta-blockers (such as timolol,
metipranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride,
sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease-COPD)
- heart problems (such as heart failure, sinus bradycardia,
second- or third-degree atrioventricular block)
- blood circulation problems (such as cerebrovascular
insufficiency, Raynaud's disease)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- muscle weakness disorders (such as myasthenia gravis)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may make you dizzy or temporarily blur your
vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or
clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to
your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you
would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low
(hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting,
fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level,
such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this
drug.
If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to
control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as
directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms
of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may
need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or
diet.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- digoxin
- drugs for high blood pressure (including clonidine, oral beta
blockers such as propranolol, calcium channel blockers such as
diltiazem)
- epinephrine
- phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine)
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. If this product is accidentally swallowed, you may
experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, slow/irregular
heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.