Is It Possible to Overdose on OptiPranolol?
OptiPranolol® (
metipranolol) is a prescription
beta blocker eye drop approved to treat
glaucoma or high eye pressure. As with most medications, it is probably possible to take too much OptiPranolol. The specific effects of an OptiPranolol overdose could potentially be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
OptiPranolol dosage and how it was taken (as an eye drop or by mouth).
Although it is not clear exactly what may happen as the result of an OptiPranolol overdose, predicted effects (based on overdoses with other beta blockers) might include:
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart failure
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Constriction of the airway
- Heart block (a problem with the conduction of electrical signals within the heart).
Taking the drops by mouth (as might happen with a child or a pet) is probably more likely to cause serious problems than using the drops as intended (in the eyes).
Treatment for an Overdose of OptiPranolol
The treatment for an OptiPranolol overdose will vary. If the overdose was recent and taken by mouth, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." If the OptiPranolol 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 OptiPranolol.
