The Basics
What is Carteolol?
Used alone or with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension).
Brand names for Carteolol
Carteolol Hydrochloride
How Carteolol is classified
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists, Antiglaucoma Agents
Carteolol During Pregnancy
Carteolol pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Carteolol while pregnant
Carteolol hydrochloride (carteolol) increased resorptions and decreased fetal weights in rabbits and rats at maternally toxic doses approximately 1052 and 5264 times the maximum recommended human oral dose (10 mg/70 kg/day), respectively. A dose-related increase in wavy ribs was noted in the developing rat fetus when pregnant females received daily doses of approximately 212 times the maximum recommended human oral dose. No such effects were noted in pregnant mice subjected to up to 1052 times the maximum recommended human oral dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Carteolol Hydrochloride (carteolol) Ophthalmic Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Carteolol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Carteolol?
No data are available for the use of carteolol during breastfeeding. Because its excretion into breastmilk is probably extensive, other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs are preferred to oral carteolol while breastfeeding a neonate. Infants over 2 months of age have more mature kidney function and are less likely to be affected. Ophthalmic use of carteolol by the mother should pose little risk to the breastfed infant. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No data are available for the use of carteolol during breastfeeding. Because its excretion into breastmilk is probably extensive, other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs are preferred to oral carteolol while breastfeeding a neonate. Infants over 2 months of age have more mature kidney function and are less likely to be affected. Ophthalmic use of carteolol by the mother should pose little risk to the breastfed infant. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Possible effects of Carteolol on milk supply
A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[5] There are no reports on the effects of beta-blockade or carteolol use during normal lactation.
Possible alternatives to Carteolol
(Systemic) Propranolol, Labetalol, Metoprolol; (Ophthalmic) Levobunolol, Metipranolol, Timolol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Riant P, Urien S, Albengres E et al. High plasma protein binding as a parameter in the selection of betablockers for lactating women. Biochem Pharmacol. 1986;35:4579-81. PMID: 2878668
2. Ho TK, Moretti ME, Schaeffer JK et al. Maternal beta-blocker usage and breast feeding in the neonate. Pediatr Res. 1999;45:67A. Abstract 385.
3. Boutroy MJ, Bianchetti G, Dubruc C et al. To nurse when receiving acebutolol: is it dangerous for the neonate? Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1986;30:737-9. PMID: 3770068
4. Schimmel MS, Eidelman AI, Wilschanski MA et al. Toxic effects of atenolol consumed during breast feeding. J Pediatr. 1989;114:476-8. PMID: 2921694
5. Board JA, Fierro RJ, Wasserman AJ, Bhatnagar AS. Effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocking agents on serum prolactin levels in women with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1977;127:285-7. PMID: 556882
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
