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Levobunolol eye drops

  • Levobunolol eye drops are used to control glaucoma.
  • They are usually used once or twice daily.

About levobunolol eye drops

Type of medicine Beta-blocker eye preparation
Used for Glaucoma
Also called Betagan®
Available as Eye drops in a bottle or single/unit dose vial

Glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the eye, which prevents fluid leaving the eye, causing pressure to build up within the eye. This can cause pain and discomfort. Levobunolol works by reducing the production of fluid in the eye, relieving pressure.

Before using levobunolol eye drops

Before using levobunolol eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer from asthma or have ever suffered from any other breathing problems.
  • If you wear soft contact lenses.
  • If you have hypotension (low blood pressure).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, including the preservative benzalkonium chloride.
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to use levobunolol eye drops

  1. Wash your hands well before use.
  2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the vial (if using unit dose vial).
  3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
  4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
  5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
  6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
  7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use levobunolol in both eyes.
  8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers.
  9. If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application.
  10. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information.
  • If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
  • Do not use soft contact lenses while you are being treated with levobunolol.
  • Try to use this preparation at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.

Can levobunolol eye drops cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Stinging, burning, pain, redness, itching or dry eyes If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience eye pain or your eye-sight worsens speak with your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store levobunolol eye drops

  • Use a fresh bottle every 28 days and throw the old bottle away.
  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Betagan®, Allergan Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised July 2005, accessed 13 February 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3475		 DocRef:
dils2700		 Last Updated:
3 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Jun 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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