Metipranolol, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: beta blocker (ophthalmic)

Generic and brand names: metipranolol, ophthalmic; OptiPranolol

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine (in the form of eyedrops) is used to treat high pressure in the eyes. High pressure in the eyes occurs with glaucoma and other conditions.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• allergies to any medicine
• bronchial asthma
• diabetes
• heart failure
• severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• sinus bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (heart rhythm problems)
• thyroid problems.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not use more of it or use it more often than prescribed. Using this medicine too much may increase the risk of side effects.

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Shake the medicine well before using. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a clean tissue, and put the cap on tightly.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

If you need any surgery or emergency treatment, tell the health care provider you are using this medicine.

If you are a diabetic and take insulin, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Also, it may be harder to tell if your blood sugar level is too low. Talk to your health care provider about this. Be sure you understand how this medicine might affect you and what to do if you have a problem.

Do not use other products in your eyes while you are using this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (contact your health care provider right away): Signs infection (redness, warmth, pus in your eye); extreme eye irritation; sensitivity to light; swelling of the eyelids, skin around your eyes, or lips; swelling in your legs; vision problems; dizziness; slow or irregular heartbeat; depression; confusion; severe weakness; impotence.

Other: Burning, stinging, red, or watery eyes; dry mouth; sore tongue; headache; feeling that something is in the eye; tiredness; drowsiness; blurred vision; headache; eye dryness; change in sense of smell; bitter or sour taste; nausea; anxiety; nasal dryness; hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, the effects of any of the medicines may be increased or decreased or the combination may cause harmful side effects. Some medicines that might interact with this medicine are:

• beta blockers taken by mouth such as timolol (Blocadren), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), pindolol (Visken), atenolol (Tenormin), esmolol (Brevibloc), betaxolol (Kerlone), carteolol (Cartrol), pindolol (Visken), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and sotalol (Betapace)
• calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), isradipine (DynaCirc), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), mibefradil (Posicor), bepridil (Vascor)
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), methazolamide (Neptazane)
• clonidine (Catapres, Catapres TTS-1, Catapres TTS-2, Catapres TTS-3)
• digitalis, digoxin (Lanoxin)
• epinephrine injection
• other products in your eyes
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• quinidine (Quinora, Quinidex, Quinaglute, Quinalan, Cardioquin)
• reserpine (Serpasil).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.