OptiPranolol

Generic Name: metipranolol ophthalmic
Other Brand Names: metipranolol ophthalmic

What is metipranolol ophthalmic?

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

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

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

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metipranolol ophthalmic?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

  • asthma or a 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 metipranolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Metipranolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether metipranolol 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.

It is not known whether metipranolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use metipranolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take metipranolol ophthalmic?

Use metipranolol ophthalmic eye drops 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 eye drops.

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

To apply the eye drops:

  • 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.

It is important to use metipranolol ophthalmic regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store metipranolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose of metipranolol ophthalmic?

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.

Where can I get more information about metipranolol ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about metipranolol ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of metipranolol ophthalmic?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using metipranolol ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention:

  • an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);

  • an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing); or

  • heart problems (shortness of breath, chest pain).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use metipranolol ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • eye burning or stinging;

  • headache;

  • fainting;

  • fatigue;

  • nausea;

  • depression; or

  • irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about metipranolol 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 should I avoid while taking metipranolol 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.

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

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with metipranolol ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect metipranolol ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with metipranolol ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking another beta-blocker by mouth such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), or metoprolol (Lopressor). You may have an increased risk of effects if you also use metipranolol ophthalmic.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with metipranolol ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of metipranolol ophthalmic?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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

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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008