What is Carteolol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Carteolol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ocupress

Generic Names:

  • Carteolol Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats open-angle glaucoma and increased pressure inside the eye. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiglaucoma

Forms:

  • Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Carteolol used for?

What form(s) does Carteolol come in

  • Drop

What are common Carteolol doses?

  • Bottle 5ML of 1%

  • Bottle 10ML of 1%

  • Bottle 15ML of 1%

Common Carteolol prescriptions

  • Carteolol HCl
    10ml of 1% bottle

  • Carteolol HCl
    15ml of 1% bottle

How to take Carteolol

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.

  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

What to do if you miss a dose of Carteolol

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children

Carteolol contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carteolol or other beta-blockers. Do not use carteolol if you have severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart problems, or a history of asthma.

Carteolol warnings

  • Trouble breathing

  • Unusual muscle weakness

  • If you have severe allergies, this medicine may make them worse. Be extra careful to avoid anything you are allergic to. Do not have allergy tests or shots.

  • If you have any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows you are using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or low blood sugar.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have overactive thyroid, a history of heart problems, or a history of breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Carteolol interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking reserpine (Diupres®, Hydropres®, Reserpine®) or other beta-blockers by mouth.

  • Also tell your doctor if you use insulin or other medicines for diabetes.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or low blood sugar.

  • If you have any type of surgery, be sure the surgeon knows you are using this medicine.

  • If you have severe allergies, this medicine may make them worse. Be extra careful to avoid anything you are allergic to. Do not have allergy tests or shots.

Carteolol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing

  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual muscle weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Chest pain

  • Fainting or lightheadedness

  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Headache

  • Burning, watering, or redness in your eyes, especially if it does not go away

  • Blurry or cloudy vision

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