carteolol ophthalmic (Rx)

>10%

Burning sensation in eye (25%)

Conjunctival hyperemia (25%)

Excessive tear production (25%)

Eye irritation (25%)

1-10%

Blurred and cloudy vision

Photophobia

Decreased night vision

Ptosis

Ocular signs including blepharoconjunctivitis, abnormal corneal staining, and corneal sensitivity occurred occasionally

Systemic side effects may be similar to systemic beta-blockers (bradycardia, aggravation of CHF, asthma, caution in diabetes as may mask signs of hypolgycemia, nightmares, impotence, tiredness, etc)

Reduction of systemic side effects by putting finger in corner of eye (occluding punctum) or by gentle eyelid closure (without opening & closing lid) for 3 min

Contraindications

Asthma, uncompensated CHF, any beta-blocker side effects, hypersensitivity, severe COPD, 2°/3° AV block, cardiogenic shock

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Half-Life: 6 hr

Duration: 12 hr

Excretion: urine

Mechanism of Action

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocker