Other Brands/Names

Arteoptic La.

How It Works

Carteolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the production of aqueous humor (water-like fluid inside the eye). By reducing this excess fluid, intraocular pressure will fall. It is prescribed for patients with conditions that have increased intraocular pressure.

Indications

Carteololol is prescribed as a single treatment or combined with other medicines to treat increased intraocular pressure due to:

• Open-angle glaucoma, where high intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve.

• Ocular hypertension, a higher-than-normal intraocular pressure that can progress to glaucoma if it is left untreated.

Contraindication

Do not use carteolol in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to carteolol.

Side Effects

This medicine may cause:

• Blurred vision

• Temporary burning or stinging sensation, itching, or redness of the eyes

• Eye pain, swelling, or discharge

• Light sensitivity

• Mental or mood changes (such as depression)

• New or worsening heart failure symptoms

• Slow or irregular heartbeat

• Dizziness

Seek immediate medical help if any of these rare but serious effects occur:

• Wheezing

• Breathing difficulty

• Chest pain that may radiate to the jaw and left arm

• Shortness of breath

• Unusual sweating

• Fainting

• Unilateral weakness

• Trouble speaking

• Seizures

• Confusion

• Sudden vision loss

• Severe allergic reaction

Types

Carteolol is available as eye drops 2.5 mL/50 mg.

Dosage

Instill 1 drop of carteolol to the affected eye(s) twice daily.

Safety

Before use, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have:

• Lung disease

• Respiratory disorders such as asthma or COPD

• Slow or irregular heartbeat (bradycardia/AV block)

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Hyperthyroidism

• Peripheral circulation disorders

• Stroke

• Mental or mood disorders (such as depression)

• Certain nerve or muscle conditions

• History of severe allergic reactions

This medicine may blur vision temporarily. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require clear vision until you are sure you can do them safely.

If you have diabetes, this medicine may mask the usual fast or pounding heartbeats that signal low blood sugar. Other signs such as dizziness and sweating are not affected.

Carteolol is only prescribed during pregnancy if needed. It is unknown whether the drug is excreted into breast milk. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of carteolol use during pregnancy or before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Low blood pressure or bradycardia may occur with:

  • Calcium antagonists (antihypertensives)

  • Antiarrhythmics (such as amiodarone)

  • Digitalis (for heart failure)

• Pupil dilation (mydriasis) may occur if carteolol interacts with epinephrine (a drug used to treat anaphylactic shock and cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

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