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metipranolol ophthalmic

Pronunciation: MET i PRAN oh lol
Brand: OptiPranolol

What is the most important information I should know about metipranolol ophthalmic?

donot Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metipranolol, or if you have asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), slow heartbeats, or a heart condition called "AV block."

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema, a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems, a thyroid disorder, or a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

donot Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Metipranolol ophthalmic is sometimes given together with other eye medications. Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using metipranolol ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.

dizzy Metipranolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
donot Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Metipranolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using metipranolol before putting your contact lenses in.

What is metipranolol ophthalmic?

Metipranolol is a beta-blocker that reduces pressure inside the eye.

foreye Metipranolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Metipranolol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using metipranolol ophthalmic?

donot Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metipranolol, or if you have:
  • asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  • slow heartbeats; or
  • a heart condition called "AV block."

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

  • breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
  • a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
  • diabetes;
  • history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.
nopreg FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metipranolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
nobrfeed It is not known whether metipranolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use metipranolol ophthalmic?

Use metipranolol ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

icon27 Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
donot Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Metipranolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using metipranolol before putting your contact lenses in.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
  • Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
  • Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

emt Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using metipranolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
rt Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

emt Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using metipranolol ophthalmic?

dizzy Metipranolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Metipranolol ophthalmic is sometimes given together with other eye medications. Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using metipranolol ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.

What are the possible side effects of metipranolol ophthalmic?

emt Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
emt Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, pain, or discomfort in or around your eye;
  • drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
  • vision changes, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;
  • bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
  • sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
  • slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
  • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
  • swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild watering or discomfort of your eyes;
  • blurred vision;
  • mildly swollen or puffy eyes;
  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • muscle weakness; or
  • altered sense of taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect metipranolol ophthalmic?

Before using metipranolol ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

  • digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
  • reserpine;
  • insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
  • any other beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), timolol (Blocadren), and others;
  • a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); or
  • medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), or thioridazine (Mellaril).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with metipranolol ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about metipranolol ophthalmic.

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.

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