No specific information on emergency treatment of overdosage in humans is available. Should accidental ocular overdosage occur, flush eye(s) with water or normal saline. The most common effects expected with overdosage of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent are bradycardia, bronchospasm, congestive heart failure and hypotension.

In case of ingestion, treatment with Carteolol Hydrochloride (carteolol) Ophthalmic Solution should be discontinued and gastric lavage considered. The patient should be closely observed and vital signs carefully monitored. The prolonged effects of carteolol must be considered when determining the duration of corrective therapy. On the basis of the pharmacologic profile, the following additional measures should be considered as appropriate:

Symptomatic Sinus Bradycardia or Heart Block

Administer atropine. If there is no response to vagal blockade, administer isoproterenol cautiously.

Bronchospasm

Administer a beta₂-stimulating agent such as isoproterenol and/or a theophylline derivative.

Congestive Heart Failure

Administer diuretics and digitalis glycosides as necessary.

Hypotension

Administer vasopressors such as intravenous dopamine, epinephrine or norepinephrine bitartrate.

Carteolol is contraindicated in those individuals with bronchial asthma or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see WARNINGS); sinus bradycardia; second- and third-degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS); cardiogenic shock; or hypersensivity to any component of this product.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/29/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.