What is the most important information I should know about Betagan?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

What is Betagan?

Betagan is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Betagan reduces pressure inside the eye.

Betagan is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.

Betagan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Betagan?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

asthma or a chronic lung disease;

a very slow heart rate;

heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;

diabetes; or

an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to use Betagan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Betagan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Betagan will be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment, do not use this medication without talking to your doctor first.

If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not use Betagan without talking to your doctor first as it is not known whether Betagan passes into breast milk.

How should I use Betagan?

Use Betagan eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Betagan. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

To use the eye drops:

Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. It is a sterile surface. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store Betagan at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested.

Symptoms of a Betagan overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and heart attack.

What should I avoid while using Betagan?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Betagan. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Betagan except under the direction of your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Betagan?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Betagan and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);

an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing); or

congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, or anxiety).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Betagan and talk to your doctor if you experience

burning and stinging;

headache;

fainting;

fatigue;

nausea;

depression; or

irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Betagan?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Betagan except under the direction of your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking another beta-blocker by mouth, such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), or metoprolol (Lopressor). You may be at risk for increased side effects if you also use Betagan.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Betagan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.