Indications 

Carteol HCl is a prescription drug primarily used to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye. It is also known as carteolol hydrochloride, and is a medication used in the treatment of glaucoma. It belongs to the class of non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers.  

Carteol HCl works by reducing the production of aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the front part of the eye. By decreasing the production of this fluid, it helps to lower the intraocular pressure, which is important in managing glaucoma. 

Use and Dosage 

Use Carteol Hcl in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 1 drop twice daily. Use in the eye only.  

To use Carteol HCl eye drops, follow these instructions: 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops. 
2. Check the product visually for any discoloration, cloudiness, or particles. If you notice any of these, do not use the eye drops. 
3. Tilt your head back and look up. 
4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. 
5. Hold the dropper directly above the eye and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. 
6. Release the lower eyelid and close your eye gently. Do not blink or rub your eye. 
7. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat these steps for the other eye. 
8. If your doctor has prescribed other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes before applying them. This allows each medication enough time to be absorbed. 
9. Recap the eye drop bottle tightly after use. 

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Carteol HCl eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. If you miss a dose of Carteol HCl eye drops, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Altered sense of taste 
• Blurred or cloudy vision 
• Depression 
• Dizziness 
• Droopy eyelids 
• Headache 
• Increased sensitivity of your eyes to light 
• Itching, or watering of your eyes 
• Mild burning 
• Mildly swollen or puffy eyes 
• Muscle weakness 
• Nausea 
• Sleep problems (insomnia) 
• Stinging 
• Stuffy nose 
• Trouble seeing at night 

Serious Side Effects 

• Blurry or clouded vision 
• Light sensitivity 
• Difficulty seeing at night 
• Drooping eyelids 
• Difficult or labored breathing 
• Difficulty seeing at night 
• Dilated neck veins 
• Discoloration of the white part of the eye 
• Disturbed color perception 
• Drainage from the eye 
• Drooping upper eyelids 
• Double vision 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Eye redness, irritation, pain, burning, or tearing 

Cautions 

• Cardiovascular conditions: Carteol HCl is a beta-adrenergic blocker and may affect heart function. Caution should be exercised in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), or heart block.  
• Respiratory conditions: Beta-blockers like Carteol HCl may cause bronchospasm and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Use Carteol HCl with caution in patients with these respiratory conditions and to monitor their respiratory function closely. 
• Diabetes: Carteol HCl may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as rapid heartbeat. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when using Carteol HCl and should closely monitor their blood sugar levels to ensure proper management of their condition. 
• Allergies: Patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Carteol HCl or any other beta-blockers should avoid using the medication. 
• Eye conditions: While Carteol HCl is primarily used to treat glaucoma, caution should be exercised in patients with certain eye conditions, such as corneal dystrophy or dry eye syndrome. Carteolol HCl may exacerbate these conditions or cause additional eye-related side effects. 
• Interactions with other medications: Carteol HCl can interact with other medications, including other beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and certain antidepressants. These interactions can lead to potential side effects or altered drug effectiveness.  

• Masking signs of hyperthyroidism: Carteol HCl can mask some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat. This can make it difficult to diagnose or monitor the condition. Close monitoring and regular thyroid function tests are necessary for patients with known or suspected hyperthyroidism. 
• Withdrawal effects: Abruptly stopping Carteol HCl can lead to withdrawal effects, including rebound hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain). Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on discontinuation if necessary. 
• Elderly patients: Elderly patients may have a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as low blood pressure or heart rate. Close monitoring is important in this population.