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

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

What is carteolol ophthalmic?

Carteolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Carteolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.

Carteolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.

Carteolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Before using carteolol ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have

• asthma or another chronic lung disease;

• a very slow heart rate;

• heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;

• diabetes; or

• an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to use carteolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Carteolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether carteolol ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Carteolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not use carteolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use carteolol ophthalmic?

Use carteolol ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying carteolol ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store carteolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested.

Symptoms of a carteolol ophthalmic overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a heart attack.