Metipranolol Ophthalmic (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Metipranolol is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Metipranolol decreases the pressure in the eye.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this medication should be used
Metipranolol comes as eyedrops. Metipranolol eyedrops usually are applied twice a day, at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Metipranolol controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to use metipranolol even if you feel well. Do not stop using metipranolol without talking to your doctor.
To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
- Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
- Lie down or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.
Special precautions
Before using metipranolol eyedrops:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metipranolol, beta blockers, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other eye medications; beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); or timolol (Blocadren); quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs); verapamil (Calan, Isoptin); and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid, heart, or lung disease; congestive heart failure; or diabetes.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using metipranolol, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using metipranolol.
- if you are using another eyedrop medication, use the eye medications at least 10 minutes apart.
- if you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before inserting metipranolol eyedrops, and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Minor side effects
Metipranolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stinging or burning of the eye
- brow ache
- eye tearing
- sensitivity to light
- blurred vision after using the drops
Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using metipranolol and call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- eye pain
- swelling in or around the eyes
- vision problems
- difficulty breathing
- rapid or strong heartbeat
- abnormal pulse
- headache
- dizziness
- depression
- fainting
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not use the eyedrops if the solution has turned brown, is cloudy, or contains particles; obtain a fresh bottle. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to metipranolol.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- OptiPranolol®