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Levobunolol Coupon - Levobunolol 5ml of 0.5% eye dropper

levobunolol

Generic Betagan
Used for Glaucoma, Eye Pressure
Used for Glaucoma, Eye Pressure

Levobunolol, also known under the brand name Betagan, is an ophthalmic (eye) medication that helps lower the pressure within the eye. It's approved for adults with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye). This medication is a beta blocker that helps lower the amount of fluid in the eye. Levobunolol (Betagan) comes as 0.5% eye drops that used once or twice a day. Potential side effects include temporary burning and stinging in the eye.

Last reviewed on January 22, 2025
basics-icon

What is Levobunolol (Betagan)?

What is Levobunolol (Betagan) used for?

How Levobunolol (Betagan) works

Levobunolol (Betagan) is a beta blocker. It works by lowering the amount of fluid that's made in the eye. When there's less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

Are you looking for information on betaxolol eye drops (Betoptic-S) instead?
When does Levobunolol (Betagan) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBetagan
Drug ClassBeta blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$24.30(save 51.85%)
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$11.70
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What are the side effects of Levobunolol (Betagan)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Temporary burning or stinging in the eye (up to 33%)

Other Side Effects

  • Inflammation of the eye or eyelid
  • Inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye)
  • Lower heart rate
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Temporary movement or coordination problems
  • Hives
  • Itching

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Trouble breathing: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
  • Stroke or "mini-stroke": weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision or speech, headache, confusion
  • Allergic reaction: rash around the eyes or face, hives, closing of the throat, swelling around the eyes or face
When do Levobunolol (Betagan) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Temporary burning or stinging in the eye

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Redness of eyes or inside of eyelids

Less common or rare

Blurred vision or other change in vision

different size pupils of the eyes

discoloration of the eyeball

droopy upper eyelid

eye pain

redness or irritation of the tongue

seeing double

swelling, irritation or inflammation of eye or eyelid

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

ankle, knee, or great toe joint swelling

anxiety or nervousness

bloody or cloudy urine

breast pain

burning or prickling feeling on body

change in taste

chest pain

chills

clumsiness or unsteadiness

confusion or mental depression

coughing, wheezing, or troubled breathing

decreased sexual ability

diarrhea

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness or feeling faint

drowsiness

dryness or soreness of throat

ear pain

feeling of constant movement

fever

hair loss

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

headache

hoarseness

irregular, fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

lightheadedness

lower back or side pain

muscle or joint aches or pain

muscle tightness or stiffness

nausea or vomiting

raw, red, blistering, scaly, or crusted areas of the skin

ringing or buzzing in the ears

runny, stuffy, or bleeding nose

skin rash, hives, or itching

swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs

trouble in sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision, temporary

decreased night vision

stinging of eye or other eye irritation (when medicine is applied)

The side effect of blurred vision is associated primarily with levobetaxolol and the timolol gel-forming solution and usually lasts from thirty seconds to five minutes.

Less common or rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

browache

constipation

crusting of eyelashes

dryness of eye

dry skin

feeling of something in the eye

increased sensitivity of eye to light

indigestion

itching, stinging, burning, or watering of eye or other eye irritation

pain, redness, warmth, or swelling of muscles

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Levobunolol (Betagan)

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically used once a day for mild glaucoma

Doesn't need to be refrigerated

Can use together with other eye drops to lower eye pressure if it doesn't work well enough on its own

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye

Can't use if you have asthma or other lung problems

Might be difficult for some people to place the drops in the eye

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Levobunolol (Betagan)

pharmacist
  • Wash your hands before you put levobunolol (Betagan) drops in your eye(s). Don't touch the dropper tip with your hands, and don't let the tip touch your eye or any other surface. This will help avoid you from getting germs into the eye and a possible eye infection.

    • Remember to take out any soft contact lenses from the eye before each time you use levobunolol (Betagan). The eye drop contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride, which can cause damage to the contacts. Wait at least 15 minutes after you use levobunolol (Betagan) before you put your contacts back in.

      • After you place a drop of levobunolol (Betagan) in the eye, close your eye and press a finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps make sure the medication gets absorbed into the eye instead of draining into your tear duct.

        • If you need to use other eye drop medications with levobunolol (Betagan), wait at least 5 minutes between each drop so that your eye absorbs each medication fully.

          • Let your prescribers know about the medications you're taking, especially if you're any other beta blockers (e.g., pills for heart conditions, other glaucoma eye drops). Taking more than one beta blocker can possibly raise your risk for side effects, like low blood pressure and dizziness.

            • It's not easy to tell whether your eye pressure is improving at home. Make sure to use levobunolol (Betagan) as prescribed, even if you don't notice any difference in your symptoms or vision right away. Follow up with your prescriber for eye exams to see how well levobunolol (Betagan) is working for you.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Levobunolol (Betagan)

              Has levobunolol (Betagan) been discontinued?
              No, levobunolol (Betagan) isn't discontinued. It's available with a prescription from an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist).
              How long does it take levobunolol (Betagan) to work?
              Levobunolol (Betagan) starts to work to lower eye pressure within 1 hour. But it could take up to 6 hours for its full effect on eye pressure. Keep in mind that you probably won't feel the medication working. You'll need eye exams to see whether it's working for you. Take levobunolol (Betagan) as prescribed and keep your follow-up appointments with your eye specialist so they can check how well this medication is working.
              Is timolol the same as levobunolol (Betagan)?
              No, timolol eye drops aren't the same thing as levobunolol (Betagan). But the two medications are very similar. They're both beta blockers that are used as eye drops to treat glaucoma and high eye pressure. And they're both generally used once or twice a day. How often you need to use the eye drops depends on how severe your eye condition is. For timolol eye drops, it also depends on the specific formulation of the medication you have. Compare between timolol eye drops and levobunolol (Betagan). Speak with your eye specialist about which eye drop is best for you.
              Does levobunolol (Betagan) need to be refrigerated?
              No, you don't need to refrigerate levobunolol (Betagan). Keep these eye drops at room temperature (59°F to 77°F).
              How long is levobunolol (Betagan) good for after opening?
              You can use levobunolol (Betagan) up to the expiration date once the bottle has been opened. You can find the expiration date on the medication box or directly on the eye drop bottle. Once it's past the expiration date, throw the eye drops away, even if there's still medication left inside. Expired eye drops might work less well or get contaminated with germs over time.
              Does levobunolol (Betagan) cause low blood pressure?
              It's possible. Levobunolol (Betagan) eye drops mainly work to lower the pressure in the eyes. But a small amount of medication can get absorbed into your bloodstream and lower your blood pressure. Let your prescriber know if you feel dizzy while after you use levobunolol (Betagan), if this dizziness bothers you, or if it makes it harder for you to go about your day.
              Does levobunolol (Betagan) affect heart rate?
              It's possible for levobunolol (Betagan) to slow down your heart rate. Tell your prescriber if levobunolol (Betagan) makes you dizzy or tired. This could be a sign of a low heart rate.
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Levobunolol (Betagan)?

              Levobunolol (Betagan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Risk of heart failure

              • Risk factors: History of heart failure

                Beta blockers like levobunolol (Betagan) can cause new or worsening heart failure. Talk to your healthcare team right away if you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, if your pulse feels fast or irregular, or if you have shortness of breath when you lie down or exercise. These can be signs of heart failure.

                risk-warning

                Caution in people with blood circulation problems

                • Risk factors: Raynaud's syndrome | Blood circulation problems affecting the brain

                  Let your prescriber know if you have any conditions that cause blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's syndrome or reduced blood flow to the brain. Beta blockers like levobunolol (Betagan) can make your condition worse.

                  Contact your care team if you have worsening symptoms of your condition while you're using levobunolol (Betagan). Get medical help as soon as possible if you have weakness on one side of the body, changes in speech or vision, confusion, or headache because these can be signs of a stroke or "mini-stroke."

                  risk-warning

                  Not recommended for people with breathing problems

                  • Risk factors: History of asthma | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | History of other lung problems

                    Beta blocker medications like levobunolol (Betagan) aren't recommended for people with lung problems, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Beta blockers can cause trouble breathing by making the airways narrower.

                    To be safe, it's important that your prescriber knows if you have or have ever had any lung conditions before you start using levobunolol (Betagan). Your prescriber can check whether this medication is safe for you. Be sure you have a rescue inhaler like albuterol ready in case you need it if you have lung problems and your prescriber says it's okay for you to use levobunolol (Betagan).

                    risk-warning

                    Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar

                    • Risk factors: Diabetes | Taking insulin or other diabetes medications by mouth

                      Beta blockers can hide symptoms of low blood sugar, except for sweating and dizziness. People with diabetes might not be able to notice symptoms when their blood sugar drops too low. Although the risk is low, a small amount of levobunolol (Betagan) from the eye drop to get absorbed into the bloodstream and cause this effect. Talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns about using levobunolol (Betagan) if you have diabetes.

                      risk-warning

                      Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid

                      Beta blockers can hide signs of hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels), such as a fast heart rate. This means that people with an overactive thyroid might not be able to recognize worsening symptoms of their thyroid problem. Although uncommon, it's possible for a small amount of levobunolol (Betagan) from the eye drop to get absorbed into the bloodstream and cause this to happen. Make sure your prescriber knows if you have hyperthyroidism before you start levobunolol (Betagan).

                      risk-warning

                      Worsening of myasthenia gravis

                      Rarely, beta blockers like levobunolol (Betagan) can worsen muscle weakness in people who have myasthenia gravis. Watch out for worsening symptoms if you have myasthenia gravis and let your care team know if this happens to you.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk of allergic reaction

                      • Risk factors: History of asthma | Allergy to other beta blockers

                        Levobunolol (Betagan) contains a sulfite. People who are sensitive to sulfites can have an allergic reaction, including asthma attack or anaphylaxis (throat closing up and/or dangerously low blood pressure), to the medication. Let your care team know if you're allergic to sulfites because levobunolol (Betagan) might not be the best medication for you.

                        Get medical attention right away if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, eye swelling, or difficulty breathing.

                        dosage

                        Levobunolol (Betagan) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.5% of Levobunolol (Betagan) is $13.26 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 45.43% off the average retail price of $24.30.
                        eye dropper
                        Eye dropper
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        5ml of 0.25%1 eye dropper$13.75$13.75
                        10ml of 0.25%1 eye dropper$11.70$11.70
                        5ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$13.26$13.26
                        10ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$16.52$16.52
                        15ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$19.78$19.78

                        Typical dosing for Levobunolol (Betagan)

                        The typical dose is 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) once a day. People with more severe glaucoma might need to use the eye drops twice a day.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Levobunolol (Betagan) and other drugs

                        Levobunolol (Betagan) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Levobunolol (Betagan). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                        Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                        How much does Levobunolol (Betagan) cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Levobunolol (Betagan) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Levobunolol (Betagan) will not be safe for you to take.
                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Levobunolol (Betagan)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Levobunolol (Betagan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Levobunolol (Betagan)
                        Used for:
                        $11.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high blood pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                        $28.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                        $6.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                        This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2024). Sulfite and sulfa drugs.

                        American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Ocular hypertension.

                        Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. (2024). Levobunolol hydrochloride solution/drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        View All References (5)

                        Hafez, Y., et al. (2023). Sinus bradycardia. StatPearls.

                        Huang, K. Y., et al. (2021). Do beta-adrenergic blocking agents increase asthma exacerbation? A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports.

                        National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?

                        SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

                        Sidjanin, D. J., et al. (2008). Pharmacogenetics of ophthalmic topical beta-blockers. Personalized Medicine.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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