Metipranolol eye solution

What is this medicine?

METIPRANOLOL (met i PRAN oh lol) is a medicine that lowers the pressure in the eye. It is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

How should I use this medicine?

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 the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. 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.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• breathing problems

• changes in blood sugar

• changes in vision

• chest pain or palpitations

• inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids

• slow, irregular heart rate

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 discomfort immediately after using the solution

• sensitivity of the eyes to light

• tearing

What may interact with this medicine?

• any stimulant drug

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

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for colds, sinus problems, or breathing problems

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone or digoxin

• reserpine

Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Replace cap immediately after use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• diabetes

• eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation

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

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• muscle weakness or muscle disease (such as myasthenia gravis)

• pheochromocytoma

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• any usual or allergic reaction to metipranolol or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should keep using this medicine if your eye condition changes (examples: injure your eye, 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 this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting drops in the eye. You may put your contact lenses back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eye.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.

If you are using another eye-care product , there should be an interval of at least 5 minutes between use of this medicine and the other eye-care product.

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