OptiPranolol is a prescription drug used to lower eye pressure in people with high eye pressure or glaucoma. This eMedTV page explores the effects of this drug, explains when and how to use the eye drops, and discusses potential side effects.
Temporary eye discomfort is the most common side effect reported with OptiPranolol. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible side effects of the drug, including potentially serious problems that should be reported to your doctor right away.
OptiPranolol can help treat high eye pressure and open angle glaucoma. This article from the eMedTV site discusses the uses of OptiPranolol in more detail, describes how this drug works, and explains whether it is approved for use in children.
There is only one standard dosage of OptiPranolol, regardless of the severity of your condition. As this eMedTV resource explains, the recommended starting dose for lowering eye pressure is one drop in the affected eye twice a day.
Digoxin, reserpine, and certain other medicines may interact with OptiPranolol. As this eMedTV article explains, drug interactions could lead to serious complications such as dangerously low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and breathing problems.
You should not use OptiPranolol if you have asthma or a history of asthma. This eMedTV article contains other warnings and precautions for OptiPranolol, including more information on who should avoid this drug and possible side effects of the medicine.
Taking an overdose of OptiPranolol may lead to heart failure, low blood sugar, or slow heart rate. This eMedTV Web page explains what other problems may occur as a result of an overdose and lists various treatment options that are available.
It is not known if OptiPranolol (metipranolol) is safe for use during pregnancy. This page from the eMedTV library offers a more in-depth look at pregnancy and OptiPranolol, and explains how this medication may affect a developing fetus.
The full risks of using OptiPranolol (metipranolol) while nursing are currently unknown. This eMedTV segment provides more information on breastfeeding and OptiPranolol, and explains whether this drug is likely to pass through breast milk.
OptiPranolol (metipranolol) eye drops are currently available in generic form. This eMedTV Web page explains how generic OptiPranolol compares to the brand-name version and lists the strengths available for the generic eye drops.
