Generic OptiPranolol

Now that the patents for OptiPranolol (metipranolol) have expired, the medication is available as a generic. The brand-name eye drops and the generic eye drops are considered equivalent, although the generic version may have different inactive ingredients. OptiPranolol generic eye drops are available in one strength -- metipranolol 0.3 percent solution.

OptiPranolol Drug Information

Is a Generic Version of OptiPranolol Available?

OptiPranolol^® (metipranolol) is a prescription eye drop approved for the treatment of glaucoma and high eye pressure. It is a beta blocker that is generally used twice a day.

Brand-name OptiPranolol is manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. However, the patents for OptiPranolol have expired, and this medication is currently available in generic form.

Available Strengths

Generic OptiPranolol eye drops are available in one strength -- metipranolol 0.3 percent solution. It is made by Falcon Pharmaceuticals.

Is Generic Metipranolol as Good as OptiPranolol?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns each generic a rating. An "AT" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. Generic metipranolol has an "AT" rating, meaning it should be equivalent to OptiPranolol.

However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include preservatives or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.