Metipranolol (
OptiPranolol®) is a medication approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic
open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular
hypertension). It comes in the form of an eye drop and is available by prescription only.
As with any medicine, metipranolol can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
In clinical studies, the most common side effect of this medication was temporary eye discomfort.
(Click Side Effects of Metipranolol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Metipranolol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Metipranolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Beta blockers lower the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Use Metipranolol
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is applied to the affected eye(s) twice daily.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- Soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative in these eye drops. In order to avoid this problem, you must remove your lenses before using metipranolol and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard dosage for this medication, regardless of the severity of your condition. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Metipranolol Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to overdose on metipranolol, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Metipranolol Be Stored?
Metipranolol should be stored between 59° F and 86° F. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your metipranolol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name metipranolol is manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, while generic metipranolol is made by Falcon Pharmaceuticals.
Metipranolol comes in one strength -- metipranolol 0.3 percent solution (available in 5 and 10 mL bottles).
