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levobunolol (Betagan, Gotensin, Vistagan)
Tradename: Betagan.
Indications:
- open-angle glaucoma
- increased intraocular pressure
Contraindications: Caution:
1) bronchial asthma
2) sinus bradycardia
3) 2nd & 3rd degree AV block
4) heart failure
Dosage:
1) 0.5%: 1 drop OU QD-BID
2) 0.25%: 1-2 drops OU BID
Solution: 0.25% (5 mL), 0.5% (5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL).
Pharmacokinetics:
1) initial reduction of intraocular pressure in 1 hour
2) maximal reduction of intraocular pressure in 2-6 hours
3) duration of action: 24 hours
Adverse effects:
1) common (> 10%)
- stinging/burning of eye
2) less common (1-10%)
- bradycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension, dizziness, headache, empyema, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, bronchospasm, alopecia
3) uncommon (< 1%)
- visual disturbances, keratitis, rash, pruritus
Mechanism of action:
1) non-selective beta blocker
2) reduces aqueous humor production
3) may increase aqueous humor outflow
4) produces reductions of intraocular pressure of 25-40%
Interactions
drug interactions
drug adverse effects (more general classes)
General
non-specific beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist (non-specific beta-blocker)
Properties
MISC-INFO: pregnancy-category C
safety in lactation -
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM correlations
References
- The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
Gilman et al, eds. Permagon Press/McGraw Hill, 1996
- Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs,
Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al
eds, 1998
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998