Is It Possible to Take Too Much Betagan?
Betagan® (
levobunolol hydrochloride) is a prescription eye drop approved to treat
glaucoma or high eye pressure. It belongs to a class of medications known as
beta blockers. As with most medications, it is possible to take too much Betagan. The specific effects of a Betagan overdose can be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
Betagan dosage and how it was taken (as an eye drop or by mouth).
An overdose with a beta blocker (such as Betagan) may cause the following problems:
- Low heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart failure
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Constriction of the airway
- Heart block (a problem with the conduction of electrical signals within the heart).
Because Betagan is an eye drop (and because an entire bottle only contains 5 mL or 10 mL of the medication), it seems as though serious effects of a Betagan overdose are not likely. However, this is not known for certain.
Treatment for a Betagan Overdose
The treatment for an overdose will vary. If the overdose was recent and taken by mouth, the healthcare provider may administer certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." If the overdose was taken as an eye drop, the eyes should be flushed with water or a saline solution. Treatment will also involve supportive care, such as:
- Giving atropine or other medications to increase the heart rate
- Giving IV fluids and medications to increase blood pressure
- Giving medications to treat heart failure
- Giving asthma medications to reverse airway constriction
- Giving IV glucose to reverse low blood sugar.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Betagan.
