Levobetaxolol eye suspension

What is levobetaxolol eye suspension?

LEVOBETAXOLOL (Betaxon®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Levobetaxolol eye suspension can reduce the pressure inside the eye when it is elevated (ocular hypertension). Levobetaxolol is also effective in treating open-angle glaucoma, either alone or in combination with other anti-glaucoma medicines. Generic levobetaxolol eye products are not yet available.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I use levobetaxolol?

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

• angina (chest pain)

• asthma, bronchitis, bronchospasm, emphysema, COPD, or other lung disease

• depression

• diabetes

• eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation

• heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or blood vessel disease (Raynaud's disease)

• low blood pressure

• muscle weakness or disease (such as myasthenia gravis)

• pheochromocytoma

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to levobetaxolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Levobetaxolol eye suspension 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. Shake well before using. Do not use with contact lenses in the eyes. 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 (tear duct) for 1—2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 drug(s) may interact with levobetaxolol?

• beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• diet drugs or stimulant drugs (such as ephedrine)

• medicines for colds, sinus problems, or breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines to control the heart rhythm (such as digoxin or amiodarone)

• reserpine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Do not use other eye products with levobetaxolol without asking your prescriber or health care professional.

What should I watch for while taking levobetaxolol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular eye pressure exams. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you should continue to use levobetaxolol 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 levobetaxolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If your eyes are more sensitive to light, stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put levobetaxolol eye drops in your eyes while wearing the lenses. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about how long you should wait before inserting your contact lenses after placing the levobetaxolol eye drops into the eye.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking levobetaxolol.

What side effects may I notice from using levobetaxolol?

Common side effects with levobetaxolol eye products include:

• burning, irritation, or stinging of the eyes or eyelids

Other side effects from the use of levobetaxolol eye products are uncommon. You should report any of the following side effects to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision or other changes in vision

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• dizziness or fainting spells

• irregular or slow heartbeat

• persistent skin rash

• swollen legs or ankles

• unusual weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 4 and 25 degrees C (39—77 degrees F). Shake well before using. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.