Drugs & Vitamins

Ocupress Active Ingredients: Carteolol Ophthalmic Representative Names: Ocupress Available Product Images: What is carteolol eye solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with carteolol? What side effects may I notice from using carteolol? What should I watch for while taking carteolol? Where can I keep my medicine? What is carteolol eye solution? (Back to top) CARTEOLOL (Ocupress®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Carteolol lowers increased pressure within the eye and is effective in treating certain types of glaucoma. Generic carteolol eye solutions are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm, emphysema, or other lung disease •diabetes •heart or blood vessel disease •thyroid disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to carteolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Carteolol eye solution 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 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. This medicine is not for use in children. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) 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 carteolol? (Back to top) •atropine •clonidine •ergotamine •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for diabetes •medicines for mental depression •medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances •medicines to control heart rhythm •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •theophylline Do not use other eye products with carteolol without asking your prescriber or health care professional. What side effects may I notice from using carteolol? (Back to top) Side effects with carteolol eye products include: •burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids •changes in vision •increased sensitivity of the eyes to light Other side effects from the use of carteolol eye products are uncommon. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •changes in blood sugar •cold hands or feet •difficulty breathing, wheezing •difficulty sleeping, nightmares •dizziness or fainting spells •irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain •skin rash, itching, peeling skin •slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) •swelling of the eyelids What should I watch for while taking carteolol? (Back to top) 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 carteolol 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 carteolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. If your eyes become more sensitive to light while using carteolol eye solution, stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put carteolol eye drops in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.