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Betimol |
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What is Betimol and why is it prescribed? Betimol is a topical medication that effectively reduces internal pressure in the eye. Betimol is used in the treatment of glaucoma to lower elevated eye pressure that could damage vision and, with other glaucoma medications, to further reduce pressure in the eye. Although Betimol eyedrops are applied only to the eye, the medication is absorbed and may have effects in other parts of the body. If you have diabetes, asthma, or other respiratory disease, or decreased heart function, make sure your doctor is aware of the problem. How should you take Betimol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Betimol. If you need to use other eye medications along with Betimol, use them at least 5 minutes before you instill Betimol. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Betimol and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Handle the Betimol solution carefully to avoid contamination. Do not let the tip of the dispenser actually touch the eye. Do not enlarge the hole in the dispenser tip; it is designed to provide just 1 drop. Do not wash the dispenser tip with water, soap, or any other cleaner. To administer Betimol, follow these steps: (1) Wash your hands thoroughly, (2) Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pocket, (3) Turn the bottle upside down, holding it with your thumb or index finger over the Finger Push Area, (4) Press the bottle lightly until a single drop falls into the eye, (5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other eye if necessary, and (6) Replace the cap firmly. If you miss a dose and you use Betimol once a day, apply it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. If you use it more than once a day, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Betimol at room temperature, protected from light. Keep from freezing. Are there any Betimol side effects? Betimol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. If Betimol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it can cause additional side effects. The most common Betimol side effects are burning and stinging on instillation of the drug. Other Betimol side effects may include abnormal overflow of tears, anxiety, behavioral changes, blurred or abnormal vision, cataracts, chest pain, cold hands and feet, common cold, confusion, conjunctivitis, cough, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, drooping eyelid, dry mouth, eye discharge, eye dryness or irritation and inflammation, eye pain or itching and tearing, fainting, fatigue, fluid in the lungs, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heart failure, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, inability to breathe, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis, indigestion, inflammation or swelling of the eyelid, intolerance of light, itching, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, memory loss, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, pain, pain or swelling in arms and legs, psoriasis, Peyronie's disease, rash, ringing in the ears, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, severe allergic reactions, sinus inflammation, skin tingling, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, stroke, stuffy nose, swelling, swelling of the face and neck, throbbing or fluttering heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, upper respiratory infection, visual disturbances, weakness, wheezing, and worsened angina pectoris. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Betimol? If Betimol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Betimol with Epinephrine (EpiPen), Catecholamine-depleting drugs (such as blood pressure drugs that contain Reserpine/Serpasil), Calcium antagonists (such as Cardizem and Isoptin), Clonidine (Catapres, Clorpres, Combipres), Digitalis (Lanoxin), or Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex). Betimol should not be used with other topical beta blockers and should be used with caution if you are taking oral beta blockers such as Inderal and Tenormin. Are there any special warnings about Betimol? Use Betimol cautiously if you have a history of heart failure or poor circulation to the brain. Tell your doctor if you have any type of allergy. The frequency and severity of allergic reactions may increase while you are using Betimol. Betimol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar. If you are diabetic, discuss this possibility with your doctor. Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Betimol if you have a medical emergency or before you have surgery or dental treatment. Betimol may mask symptoms of an overactive thyroid. If your doctor suspects you have excessive thyroid function, he or she will manage your case carefully to avoid such symptoms as rapid heartbeat, which can occur when the drug is withdrawn too abruptly. Betimol's antiglaucoma effects may decrease if you use the medication for a long time. If you develop an eye infection, suffer an eye injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor. You may need to stop using Betimol. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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