As with any medicine, carteolol can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of this medication included:
- Temporary eye burning
- Watery eyes
- Eye redness.
(Click Side Effects of Carteolol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Carteolol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Carteolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents (known as
beta blockers, for short). As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Carteolol lowers the eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Take Carteolol
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is applied to the affected eye(s) twice daily.
- Soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative in these eye drops. In order to avoid this problem, you must remove your lenses before using carteolol and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye or the skin.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard dosage for this medication, regardless of the severity of your
glaucoma. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Carteolol Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an overdose with carteolol. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Carteolol Be Stored?
Carteolol should be stored between 59° F and 77° F, away from light and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your carteolol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name carteolol is manufactured by CIBA Vision Sterile Mfg. for Novartis Ophthalmics. Generic versions are made by a few different manufacturers.
Carteolol comes in one strength -- carteolol 1 percent solution (available in 5, 10, and 15 mL bottles).
