🍽️ (-) -levobunolol hydrochloride,(prescription)

Lowering Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Levobunolol hydrochloride works by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure. Elevated IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a condition characterized by optic nerve damage, and levobunolol helps to manage this condition by lowering IOP.

Treatment of Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Ocular hypertension refers to elevated intraocular pressure without optic nerve damage. Levobunolol hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of both conditions to prevent or slow down the progression of vision loss.

Topical Ophthalmic Administration: Levobunolol hydrochloride is typically administered as eye drops. The recommended dosage and frequency of administration may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient response. It is usually instilled into the affected eye(s) once or twice daily.

Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist Action: Levobunolol hydrochloride selectively blocks beta-adrenergic receptors in the eye, particularly the beta-1 receptors located in the ciliary body responsible for aqueous humor production. By inhibiting these receptors, levobunolol reduces the formation of aqueous humor, leading to a decrease in intraocular pressure.

Systemic Absorption and Adverse Effects: While levobunolol is primarily applied topically to the eye, systemic absorption can occur, leading to potential side effects similar to those of other beta-blockers. These may include bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), bronchospasm (particularly in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and central nervous system effects such as dizziness or fatigue.

Contraindications and Precautions: Levobunolol hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock, or overt cardiac failure. Caution should be exercised when prescribing levobunolol to patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and pheochromocytoma.

Regular Monitoring: Patients using levobunolol hydrochloride should undergo regular ophthalmic examinations to assess intraocular pressure, visual field changes, and optic nerve status. Additionally, systemic monitoring of cardiovascular parameters may be necessary in certain patients, particularly those with known cardiac comorbidities.