What is Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Levobunolol is a beta-blocker that reduces pressure inside the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Levobunolol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to levobunolol, or if you have:

• asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• slow heartbeats; or
• a heart condition called “AV block.”

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema
• a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure
• diabetes
• history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems
• a thyroid disorder; or
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether levobunolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether levobunolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Akbeta Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, pain, or discomfort in or around your eye
• drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing)
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling, rapid weight gain; or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning, stinging, itching, or discomfort of your eyes
• blurred vision
• mildly swollen or puffy eyes
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation
• depression, confusion, tired feeling
• muscle weakness
• mild skin rash or itching; or
• nausea, diarrhea

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Akbeta Interactions

What other drugs affect Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Before using levobunolol ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• reserpine
• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth
• any other beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), timolol (Blocadren), and others
• a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); or
• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), or thioridazine (Mellaril)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with levobunolol ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Levobunolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Levobunolol ophthalmic is sometimes given together with other eye medications. Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using levobunolol ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.

Akbeta Dosage

How should I take Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Use levobunolol ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Levobunolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using levobunolol before putting your contact lenses in.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using levobunolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I overdose on Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, feeling short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Akbeta (Levobunolol Ophthalmic)?

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

Edited from everydayhealth.com