Betoptic 0.25%

Betoptic is used for lowering eye pressure and treating glaucoma. It may be used with other medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Betoptic as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Shake well before each use.
To use Betoptic in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid (unless you recently had eye surgery) for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

It may take a few weeks for Betoptic to reach its maximum effectiveness.

If you miss a dose of Betoptic, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Betoptic.

Betoptic is an ophthalmic beta-blocker. It is unknown exactly how Betoptic works to reduce the fluid pressure inside the eye, but it appears to reduce the amount of liquid produced.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Do NOT use Betoptic if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Betoptic
• you have asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), complete or second-degree heart block, heart shock, a resting heart rate less than 60 beats/min, or a heart rate less than 45 beats/min after a heart attack

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are having an allergic reaction
• if you have bronchitis, breathing problems, COPD, heart failure, diabetes, first-degree heart block, a history of asthma, overactive thyroid, low blood sugar levels, or blood flow problems

• Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine), diltiazem, disopyramide, flecainide, ketanserin, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, selegiline), nifedipine and derivatives, quinazolines, or verapamil and derivatives because they may increase the actions and the risk of Betoptic's side effects
• Bupivacaine or cocaine because their actions and the risk of their side effects may increased by Betoptic
• Clonidine because when given with Betoptic, if it is suddenly stopped, it may cause rebound high blood pressure
• Glucagon because it may decrease Betoptic's effectiveness

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Blurred or decreased vision; burning, discomfort, stinging, itching, or tearing when first applied; crusty lashes; dry eyes; eye pain, redness, or discharge; sensation of something in the eye.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heart rate; headache.

If you have any questions about Betoptic, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Betoptic is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.