Betagan (for the eyes) is a beta-blocker that is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Betagan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Betagan if you have asthma, severe COPD, slow heartbeats, or a heart condition called "AV block."

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in Betagan could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Betagan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to levobunolol, or if you have:

• asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• slow heartbeats; or

• a heart condition called "AV block."

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;

• heart problems;

• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, feeling light-headed, or shortness of breath.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Betagan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Betagan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

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

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

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse; or

• numbness, cold feeling, or pale appearance of your fingers or toes.

Common side effects of Betagan may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or eye discomfort;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• blurred vision;

• dizziness, weakness;

• headache; or

• rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially heart or blood pressure medications.

Other drugs may affect Betagan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.