Carteolol Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Carteolol Hydrochloride

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION Carteolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP, 1% is a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent for ophthalmic use. The chemical name for carteolol hydrochloride is (±)-5-[3-[(1,1-dimethylethyl) amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone monohydrochloride. The structural formula is as follows: C 16 H 24 N 2 O 3 •HCI Mol. Wt. 328.

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Carteolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with associated intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and without significant membrane-stabilizing activity. Carteolol Hydrochloride reduces normal and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) whether or not accompanied by glaucoma. The exact mechanism of the ocular hypotensive effect of beta-blockers has not been definitely demonstrated. In general, beta-adrenergic blockers reduce cardiac output in patients in good and poor cardiovascular health. In patients with severe impairment of myocardial function, beta-blockers may inhibit the sympathetic stimulation necessary to maintain adequate cardiac function.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE Carteolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 1% has been shown to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure and may be used in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma and intraocular hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other intraocular pressure lowering medications.

Common Doses

  • Refer to label

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual dose is one drop of Carteolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 1% in the affected eye(s) twice a day. If the patient's IOP is not at a satisfactory level on this regimen, concomitant therapy with pilocarpine and other miotics, and/or epinephrine or dipivefrin, and/or systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, can be instituted.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS Carteolol is contraindicated in those individuals with bronchial asthma or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see WARNINGS ); sinus bradycardia; second- and third-degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS ); cardiogenic shock; or hypersensivity to any component of this product.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials with Carteolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution. Ocular: Transient eye irritation, burning, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia and edema occurred in about 1 of 4 patients. Ocular symptoms including blurred and cloudy vision, photophobia, decreased night vision, and ptosis and ocular signs including blepharoconjunctivitis, abnormal corneal staining, and corneal sensitivity occurred occasionally.

Interactions

  • Drug Interactions Carteolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution should be used with caution in patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent orally, because of the potential for additive effects on systemic beta-blockade. Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia, which may produce vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension.