Levobunolol Hydrochloride (3 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: SOLUTION/DROPS.
Routes of administration: OPHTHALMIC.
Brand Names
- AKBETA
- BETAGAN
- LEVOBUNOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE
Indications and Usage
Levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution has been shown to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure and may be used in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended starting dose is one to two drops of levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.5% in the affected eye(s) once a day. In patients with more severe or uncontrolled glaucoma, levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.5% can be administered twice a day. As with any new medication, careful monitoring of patients is advised. Dosages above one drop of levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.5% twice a day are not generally more effective. If the patient’s IOP is not at a satisfactory level on this regimen, concomitant therapy with other ophthalmic IOP-lowering agents can be instituted. Patients should not typically use two or more topical ophthalmic beta-adrenergic blocking agents simultaneously.
Contraindications
Levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in those individuals with bronchial asthma, or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see WARNINGS); sinus bradycardia; second and third degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS); cardiogenic shock; or hypersensitivity to any component of these products.
Adverse Reactions
In clinical trials the use of levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution has been associated with transient ocular burning and stinging in up to 1 in 3 patients, and with blepharoconjunctivitis in up to 1 in 20 patients. Decreases in heart rate and blood pressure have been reported (see CONTRAINDICATIONSand WARNINGS). The following adverse reactions have been reported rarely with the use of levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution: iridocyclitis, headache, transient ataxia, dizziness, lethargy, urticaria, and pruritus. Decreased corneal sensitivity has been noted in a small number of patients. Although levobunolol has minimal membrane-stabilizing activity, there remains a possibility of decreased corneal sensitivity after prolonged use. The following additional adverse reactions have been reported either with levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution or ophthalmic use of other beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents: BODY AS A WHOLE:Headache, asthenia, chest pain. CARDIOVASCULAR:Bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, syncope, heart block, cerebral vascular accident, cerebral ischemia, congestive heart failure, palpitation, cardiac arrest. DIGESTIVE:Nausea, diarrhea. PSYCHIATRIC:Depression, confusion, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, paresthesia. SKIN:Hypersensitivity, including localized and generalized rash, alopecia, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. RESPIRATORY:Bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with pre-existing bronchospastic disease), respiratory failure, dyspnea, nasal congestion. UROGENITAL:Impotence. ENDOCRINE:Masked symptoms of hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent diabetics (see WARNINGS). SPECIAL SENSES:Signs and symptoms of keratitis or eye allergy, blepharoptosis, visual disturbances including refractive changes (due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases), diplopia, ptosis, and foreign body sensation in eye. Other reactions associated with the oral use of non-selective adrenergic receptor blocking agents should be consi
Overdosage
No data are available regarding overdosage in humans. Should accidental ocular overdosage occur, flush eye(s) with water or normal saline. If accidentally ingested, efforts to decrease further absorption may be appropriate (gastric lavage). The most common signs and symptoms to be expected with overdosage with administration of a systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agent are symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, and acute cardiac failure. Should these symptoms occur, discontinue levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution therapy and initiate appropriate supportive therapy. The following supportive measures should be considered: 1. Symptomatic bradycardia: Use atropine sulfate intravenously in a dosage of 0.25 mg to 2 mg to induce vagal blockade. If bradycardia persists, intravenous isoproterenol hydrochloride should be administered cautiously. In refractory cases the use of a transvenous cardiac pacemaker should be considered. 2. Hypotension: Use sympathomimetic pressor drug therapy, such as dopamine, dobutamine or levarterenol. In refractory cases the use of glucagon hydrochloride may be useful. 3. Bronchospasm: Use isoproterenol hydrochloride. Additional therapy with aminophylline may be considered. 4. Acute cardiac failure: Conventional therapy with digitalis, diuretics and oxygen should be instituted immediately. In refractory cases the use of intravenous aminophylline is suggested. This may be followed, if necessary, by glucagon hydrochloride which may be useful. 5. Heart block (second or third degree): Use isoproterenol hydrochloride or a transvenous cardiac pacemaker.