How does it work?

Levobunolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. These medicines block beta-receptors in the heart, lungs and other areas of the body. When given as eye drops, this medication acts on receptors in the blood vessels of the eye and causes them to constrict. This lessens the amount of watery fluid (aqueous humour) that passes out of the blood vessels into the eye-ball. Levobunolol also blocks the area of the eye that actively produces aqueous humour. Levobunolol is used to treat glaucoma. This is a condition where the fluid drainage from the eye is impaired, resulting in fluid build-up and increased pressure in the eye. Polyvinyl alcohol is added as a lubricant that helps prevent irritation caused by the eye drops.

What is it used for?

Open angle glaucoma

Warning!

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.

Use with caution in

Diabetes mellitus

Not to be used in

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

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

Heart failure

History of asthma

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

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. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

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

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Stinging and redness

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)

Itching (pruritis)

Inflammation of the eyelids and the lining of the eye (allergic blepharoconjunctivitis)

Burning, itching and painful sensations in the eye

Itchy rash (urticaria)

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