Betagan (generic name: levobunolol opthalmic) is a medication used to manage the symptoms of glaucoma (condition characterized by eye pain and increased eye pressure) and ocular hypertension (high blood pressure). Betagan belongs to a class of medicines called beta blockers and it helps to lower your intraocular (inside the eye) pressure. Typically, you will place 1 to 2 drops of Betagan into your eyes daily, says the National Library of Medicine.
Prevalent Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Betagan can routinely cause stinging, burning and redness of your eye. It can also cause your eye or eyelid to itch and swell. In some cases, Betagan can increase your eye drainage. Notify your doctor when you have these side effects. You may have to discontinue this medication and she will find a safer one for you.
Critical Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Betagan can cause wheezing, trouble breathing and swelling of your lower extremities. It can cause fainting spells, an arrythmia (irregular heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat) or rapid weight gain. Call your physician and stop taking Betagan when these critical side effects occur.
Additional Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Betagan can be absorbed into your body. It may lead to fatigue, hypotension (low blood pressure), a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and cardiac arrest. Betagan can also cause alopecia (hair loss), bronchospasm (condition where your airway suddenly closes up), nasal congestion and impotence. Other side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), double vision, ptosis (droopy eyelid), keratitis (inflammation of the thin layer of tissue covering your eye) and paresthesias (numbness or tingling).
Miscellaneous Concerns
Avoid Betagan if you are hypersensitive to it. You may develop eye irritation and difficulty breathing.
You should discontinue Betagan if you suffer from heart failure. The National Library of Medicine says that Betagan may exacerbate your heart failure.
You should avoid Betagan if you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Betagan may bind to the beta receptors (special binding sites in your airways) and cause you to have breathing problems.
It is unknown if Betagan passes into breast milk or to your baby during pregnancy. However, you should make your doctor aware of you pregnancy and breastfeeding status so she can decide whether it is best to continue or discontinue Betagan.
MedlinePlus says that you should tell your doctor if you are taking Betagan with other beta-blockers such as atelenol, propanolol or sotalol. Tell her if you are also taking vitamins, herbs or supplements. These may all interact with Betagan and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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