Ocupress Side Effects

Generic name: carteolol ophthalmic

Note: This document contains side effect information about carteolol ophthalmic. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ocupress.

Some side effects of Ocupress may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to carteolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking carteolol ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Ocupress) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, pain, or discomfort in or around your eye;

• drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or

• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects of carteolol ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning, stinging, itching, or watering of your eyes;

• blurred or cloudy vision;

• mildly swollen or puffy eyes;

• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;

• trouble seeing at night;

• droopy eyelids;

• headache, dizziness, depression ;

• muscle weakness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• stuffy nose; or

• nausea, altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to carteolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

General

Carteolol is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and transient. Although carteolol ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Ocupress) solution has not been detected in the plasma following ocular administration, it may be absorbed systemically and side effects similar to systemically administered carteolol or other beta-blockers may be experienced.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included transient eye irritation, burning, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia, and edema in approximately 25% of patients. Ocular stinging, dry eyes, pain, and pruritus have also been reported. Blurred and cloudy vision, photophobia, decreased night vision, ptosis, blepharoconjunctivitis, abnormal corneal staining, and corneal sensitivity have been reported rarely.

Ocular side effects associated with ophthalmic beta blockers have included signs and symptoms of keratitis, blepharoptosis, visual disturbances including refractive changes, diplopia, and ptosis. In some instances visual disturbances may be caused by withdrawal of miotic therapy.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included cardiac arrhythmia, heart palpitations, syncope, cerebral vascular accident, and cerebral ischemia. Carteolol may cause or worsen AV heart block.

Congestive heart failure has been reported with other topical ophthalmic beta-blockers.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have rarely included dyspnea and sinusitis. As with other beta-blockers, patients with a history of reactive airways disease may be more likely to become short of breath while taking carteolol.

Respiratory side effects associated with other ophthalmic beta-blockers have rarely included bronchospasm and severe respiratory failure. Patients with preexisting reactive airways disease or bronchospastic disease may be especially sensitive to these side effects.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have occasionally included asthenia, headache, dizziness, and insomnia.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects associated with ophthalmic beta blockers have included depression.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included taste perversion and nausea.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects associated with oral carteolol and other ophthalmic beta blockers have rarely included complaints of impotence in male patients (<1%).

Metabolic

In one study, ocular carteolol was reported to decrease HDL cholesterol by 3.3% and raise the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol by 4.0%. Nasolacrimal occlusion was not performed after administration.

Metabolic side effects have included a slight decrease in HDL cholesterol and a slight increase in the total to HDL cholesterol ratio.

Dermatologic

Dermatological side effects associated with other topical beta-blocker agents have included localized and generalized rash.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects associated with ophthalmic beta blockers have included masking of both the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent diabetics, and hyperthyroidism/thyroid storm.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions associated with ophthalmic beta blockers have included localized and generalized rash.

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