Levobunolol - ophthalmic


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Levobunolol is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat increased pressure in the eye.
How do I use this medicine?
Instil Levobunolol eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

To use the eye drop solution:
  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
  2. Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
  3. Close your eye and gently press your finger against the corner of the eye (near the nose bridge) for 2 minutes.
  4. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
  5. Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop bottle immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.

If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Levobunolol, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.

Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.

Some brands of Levobunolol contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying the eye drops. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.

Levobunolol must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
What should I do if I have forgotten to use this medicine?
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • have or have had asthma
  • severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
  • serious heart disease or problem e.g. very slow or uneven heartbeat, 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
as Levobunolol may not be suitable for you.
What should I take note of while using this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • history of allergic reaction to allergens such as dust, or similar medicines such as timolol
  • diabetes
  • Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
  • disease that affects the supply of blood in the brain
  • other heart diseases e.g. 1st-degree heart block
  • low blood pressure
  • myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
  • severe blood circulation disorder e.g. severe Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
  • mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other lung problem
  • problems with the surface of your eyes
  • thyroid disease e.g. overactive thyroid gland
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

For as long as you are using Levobunolol, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
What side effects could I experience?
Levobunolol may cause drowsiness, tiredness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, dizziness; eye pain, irritation, redness, itching, discharge, or tearing; inflammation of the eyelids, iris, inner eye or surface of the eye; dry eye, feeling that something is in the eye, and redness and irritation of the eyelids.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • signs of severe allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
  • signs of bronchospasm (tightening and narrowing of the airways of the lungs) e.g. shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, or tiredness
  • muscle weakness
  • slow heartbeat, very bad dizziness or passing out
  • cold hands and feet
  • changes in eyesight or severe eye irritation
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I use this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
  • medicines for high blood pressure e.g. atenolol, nifedipine, reserpine, guanethidine
  • medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, digoxin
  • medicines used to dilate the pupil e.g. epinephrine
  • medicines for diabetes
  • medicines to block pain and sensation
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Levobunolol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
How should I store this medicine?
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on levobunolol - ophthalmic and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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