Carteolol ophthalmic should be applied as directed by your prescribing doctor. It is primarily used once or twice per day, depending on how serious the condition is and the patient’s response.
Proper Use Steps
Wash your hands.
Tilt your head back slightly, and gently pull your lower eyelid down over the white part of the eye.
Instill one drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid.
Gently close your eyes and apply gentle pressure at the inner corner of your eye to prevent the medicine from draining out of your eye.
Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any surface to keep the medication clean and free from contamination.
Wash your hands afterward to remove any leftover medicine.
Carteolol works by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the eye. These receptors are involved in regulating the production of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the front part of the eye. By blocking these receptors, carteolol reduces the amount of aqueous humor produced, leading to a decrease in intraocular pressure.
Unlike some other beta-blockers, carteolol has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, meaning it can partially activate beta receptors. This may give a more balanced effect with less risk of some systemic side effects, such as bradycardia or low blood pressure, compared to non-selective beta-blockers lacking this activity.
By lowering IOP, carteolol helps prevent damage to the optic nerve, thereby reducing the risk of vision loss associated with glaucoma.
Even though Carteolol ophthalmic is normally well-tolerated, side effects can occur in some individuals. Common side effects are:
Eye irritation: This can be in the form of stinging, burning, itching, or redness in the eyes following the application of the drops.
Blurry vision: Some people may have temporary blurred vision following the application of the drug.
Dry eyes: With the use of Carteolol, there can be a feeling of dryness in the eyes.
Headache or dizziness: Headache or dizziness can be observed in some patients, especially when standing up.
Serious Side Effects (Less Common):
Bradycardia or slow heart rate
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath or wheezing: The use of Carteolol may worsen conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Inflammation of the eye or eyelid: There may be severe irritation or swelling around the eye.
Respiratory Disorders: Carteolol can cause bronchospasm or even worsen asthma or COPD. Caution is needed when administering this drug to patients with these conditions.
Cardiovascular Disorders: Carteolol decreases heart rate and blood pressure, so the drug should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disorders such as bradycardia, heart block, or heart failure.
Allergic Reactions: Patients with allergic reactions to beta-blockers should avoid Carteolol.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Carteolol should only be given during pregnancy when clearly necessary. It is unknown whether carteolol is excreted into breast milk; therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution regarding the use of this medication in breastfeeding women.
Carteolol ophthalmic interacts with other drugs, so communicate with your doctor about any other drugs you are using. The following are some examples of drug interactions:
Other Beta-Blockers: Combination of carteolol with other systemic or ophthalmic beta-blockers may lead to additive side effects such as bradycardia or hypotension.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Patients on calcium channel blockers (for example, verapamil or diltiazem), the risk of severe bradycardia or heart block can be increased by carteolol.
The general beginning dosing of Carteolol ophthalmic is one drop instilled in the affected eye(s) once or twice a day. Your eye care professional may adjust your dosing based on the efficacy of intraocular pressure and your response to treatment.
This means you should stick strictly to your doctor’s orders regarding dosing and the frequency of administration so you can manage your condition more effectively.
Carteolol ophthalmic is a prescription only medication, so it cannot be obtained except by a health provider’s prescription. It must be determined on case-by-case treatment to establish dosage and regimen.
It must be maintained through regularly scheduled follow-ups with the health care provider where intraocular pressure can be monitored in the patient to make needed adjustments in their treatment regimen.
1. What is Carteolol ophthalmic?
Carteolol ophthalmic is an eye drop medication used to lower intraocular pressure in conditions like glaucoma.
2. How does Carteolol work?
It is a beta-blocker that reduces fluid production in the eye, decreasing pressure inside the eye.
3. What conditions are treated with Carteolol eye drops?
It is mainly prescribed for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
4. How do I use Carteolol eye drops?
Usually, one drop is instilled into the affected eye(s) once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
5. Are there common side effects of Carteolol eye drops?
Yes, side effects may include eye irritation, burning, blurry vision, or dry eyes.
6. Can Carteolol eye drops affect my heart?
Yes, because it is a beta-blocker, it may potentially affect heart rate or blood pressure in some people.
7. Can I wear contact lenses while using Carteolol?
Remove contact lenses before applying drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
8. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up.
9. Can Carteolol be used in children?
Its safety and effectiveness in children have not been established; consult a doctor.
10. How long does it take for Carteolol to work?
It may take a few hours to lower eye pressure, with full effect in several weeks.
11. Can Carteolol cause allergic reactions?
Rarely, but possible symptoms include eye redness, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
12. Are there any precautions before using Carteolol?
Inform your doctor if you have asthma, heart problems, low blood pressure, or allergies to beta-blockers.
13. Can Carteolol interfere with other eye medications?
It’s important to space Carteolol and other eye drops by at least 5–10 minutes.
14. Is Carteolol safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor as it should be used only if benefits outweigh risks.
15. Can Carteolol eye drops be used long-term?
Yes, long-term use is common under medical supervision for chronic glaucoma.
16. How should Carteolol eye drops be stored?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle tightly closed.
17. Can Carteolol cause blurred vision?
Yes, some users may experience temporary blurred vision after instillation.
18. Should I avoid driving after using Carteolol eye drops?
If you experience blurred vision or dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery until symptoms clear.
19. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop breathing difficulty, chest pain, or severe eye pain.
20. Can Carteolol affect blood sugar levels?
Beta-blockers can mask symptoms of low blood sugar; diabetic patients should monitor closely.