How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient carteolol hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. These medicines work by blocking beta-receptors in various areas of the body. The pressure within the eyeball is naturally maintained by a continuous flow of liquid called aqueous humour through the eyeball. Aqueous humour is produced by a part of the eye called the ciliary body, and it drains out of the eyeball through channels called the trabecular meshwork. If the outflow of aqueous humour is blocked, the aqueous humour builds up inside the eye, increasing the pressure within the eyeball. This pressure needs to be reduced, as otherwise it can damage the optic nerve and as a result impair vision. Carteolol blocks beta-receptors that are found on the ciliary body. This reduces the amount of aqueous humour secreted into the eyeball by the ciliary body. Carteolol also blocks beta-receptors found on the blood vessels that supply the ciliary body. This causes the blood vessels to constrict, and reduces the amount of watery fluid that filters out of the blood vessels to form aqueous humour. Carteolol therefore reduces the inflow of aqueous humour into the eyeball, which decreases the pressure within the eye. It is used to treat conditions where there is raised pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma.

What is it used for?

Glaucoma caused by another disease of the eye

Open angle glaucoma

Raised pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension)

Warning!

This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.

You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This it because the medicine contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation.

This medicine should discarded four weeks after opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

Use with caution in

Diabetes mellitus

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation (cardiogenic shock)

Heart failure

Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)

Slow heart rate caused by the pacemaker of the heart (sinus bradycardia)

Not to be used in

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pregnancy

Uncontrolled heart failure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Blurred vision

Fatigue

Dislike of light (photophobia)

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Disorders of the front layer of the eye (cornea)

Dry eyes

Burning, itching and painful sensations in the eye

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved