Home Drug Guide Carteolol Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Carteolol Hydrochloride

Brand Names Cartrol, Ocupress

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Glaucoma agent

Pharmacological: Beta-adrenergic blocker

FDA Approved Indications

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma
  • Ocular hypertension

Mechanism of Action

Carteolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker that reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous humor production and possibly increasing outflow.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically one drop in the affected eye once or twice daily.

Pediatric: Use not established; consult ophthalmologist.

Geriatric: Adjust as needed; greater sensitivity may increase risk of systemic side effects.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; monitor closely, as drug clearance may be affected.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; pharmacokinetics may be altered.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following topical administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed; minimal CNS penetration.

Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted primarily in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Bronchial asthma, bronchospastic lung disease
  • Sinus bradycardia, greater than first-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, or a history of severe allergies; may mask signs of hypoglycemia; systemic absorption can cause cardiovascular and respiratory effects.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Local eye irritation (Common)
  • Blepharitis (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Systemic beta-blocker effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm (Less common, especially with improper use or overuse)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, clonidine

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor intraocular pressure, vision, and systemic cardiovascular status.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for systemic effects related to topical eye medication

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; instruct patient not to touch dropper to eye; wash hands before and after application.

Evaluation: Assess reduction in intraocular pressure and monitor for adverse systemic effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use exactly as prescribed; do not touch dropper to eye or other surfaces.
  • Report signs of systemic beta-blocker effects like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or slow heartbeat.
  • Do not discontinue abruptly.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Systemic absorption can cause systemic beta-blockade effects especially in predisposed individuals.
  • Potential to mask hypoglycemia symptoms in diabetics.

Genetic Factors: Not specifically documented.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with blood glucose and thyroid function tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, hypoglycemia.

Treatment: Supportive care; atropine for bradycardia; oxygen and vasopressors for hypotension; assist with ventilation if needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable until expiration date on packaging.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.