Health Library

Levobunolol (Into the eye)

Levobunolol (lee-voe-BUE-noe-lol)

Lowers pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma or hypertension in the eye. This medicine is a beta blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Betagan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. You may insert them again after 15 minutes.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using a beta-blocker medicine that is taken by the mouth.
• Some medicines can affect how levobunolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Digitalis, reserpine
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat depression

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, lung or breathing problems, blood vessel problems (including Raynaud phenomenon), myasthenia gravis, or a history of heart failure.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Severe eye irritation or inflammation
• Slow, uneven heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Eye that is sensitive to light
• Redness, itching or watery eye(s)
• Stinging or burning of the eye
• Tingling or pain in your fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperature

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024