Brand names: OptiPranolol®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Metipranolol eye solution (below)
- Metipranolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic drops, solution
Metipranolol eye solution
What is metipranolol eye solution?
METIPRANOLOL (Optipranolol®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It reduces elevated pressure within the eye and is effective for the treatment of certain types of glaucoma. Generic metipranolol eye solution is not yet available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• angina (chest pain)
• asthma, bronchitis, bronchospasm, emphysema, COPD, or other lung disease
• depression
• diabetes
• eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation
• heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or blood vessel disease (Raynaud's disease)
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness or disease (such as myasthenia gravis)
• pheochromocytoma
• thyroid disease
• wear contact lenses
• any usual or allergic reaction to metipranolol or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Contact lenses should be removed prior to using metipranolol eye solution. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of metipranolol to the eye.Metipranolol eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) for 1—2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use you medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with metipranolol eye solution?
• beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure, angina, or other heart problems• cevimeline
• diet drugs or stimulant drugs (such as ephedrine)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for colds, sinus problems, or breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines to control the heart rhythm (examples: digoxin, amiodarone)
• mefloquine
• reserpine
Do not use any other eye products without telling your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking metipranolol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular eye pressure exams. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using metipranolol if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge, and see your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you should continue to use metipranolol if your eye condition changes (examples: injure your eye, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery).
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how metipranolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.
If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before placing drops in the eye. Certain chemicals in the solution can be absorbed by contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of metipranolol to the eye.
Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.
If you are using another eye preparation, there should be an interval of at least 5 minutes between use of metipranolol and the other eye preparation.
Wear dark glasses if metipranolol makes your eyes more sensitive to light.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking metipranolol eye solution.
What side effects may I notice from using metipranolol eye solution?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:Rare or uncommon:
• chest pain
• confusion
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• palpitations
• swollen legs or ankles
More common:
• any change in your vision
• changes in blood sugar
• dizziness
• headache
• inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids
• irregular or slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution
• increased flow of tears
• sensitivity of the eyes to light
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store the bottle at room temperature at 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Replace cap immediately after use.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
