Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LEVOBUNOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Anti- glaucoma agent; non- selective beta- adrenoreceptor antagonist.

SYNONYMS

C17-H25-N-O3.HCl, C17-H25-N-O3.HCl, "(-)-3, 4-dihydro-5-(3-(tert-butylamino)-2-
hydroxypropoxy)-1(2H)-naphthale none hydrochloride", "(-)-3, 4-dihydro-5-(3-(tert-
butylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-1(2H)-naphthale none hydrochloride", "l-Bunolol
hydrochloride", "l-Bunolol hydrochloride", Betagan, Gotensin, "W 7000A", Vistagan, beta-
blocker, "beta-adrenergic blocking agent", "antiglaucoma agent"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Side effects from beta-locking agents include nausea, vomiting, disturbance of of the gastrointestinal tract, fatigue and dizziness. The nervous system may be involved, causing depression, delirium, stoppage of breathing, confusion, psychosis, motor abnormalities, coma, visual disturbance and insomnia. Cardiovascular effects include slowing of pulse, low blood pressure, and heart failure. Other adverse effects include blood disorders, and allergic reactions characterized by skin rash. Other effects include sexual dysfunction, allergic reactions, weight gain, hair loss, muscle disorders, dry eyes and inflammation of the mouth cavity. The signs of overdose usually appear rapidly (within 1-2 hours) and sometimes death occurs.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Eye absorption of beta blockers can reduce the pressure in the eye and causesystemic toxicity.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Abrasive damage however, may result from prolonged exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Prolonged use of beta blockers can result in dry mouth, taste distortion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea or constipation. The nervous system may be affected by fatigue, headache, dizziness, lethargy, depression, "pins and needles", reduced or increased sensation, anxiety, nervousness, poor concentration, sleep loss and nightmares or bizarre dreams. Eye effects include irritation, discomfort, drying, burning sensation, inflammation of the conjunctiva, impaired vision and reduction in eye pressure. Cardiovascular effects include a tight chest pain, heart failure, heart block, claudication and stroke, with chest pain, pallor, shortness of breath, flushing and fainting. Respiratory system effects include blocked nose, cough, crackling sounds, wheezing and lung scarring. Other effects recorded include renal and mesenteric arterial thrombosis, renal failure, ischaemic colitis, fibrosis in the , acute pancreatitis, enlarged liver, elevated liver enzymes, altered blood lipids, high blood glucose, impotence or diminished sex drive, painful urination, urination at night, and urinary retention or frequent urination. Allergic reactions include, fever, inflammation of the pharynx, sore throat, throat spasms and respiratory arrest. Effects on the skin include itchiness, pigmentation, necrosis and a purple color.  May produce symptoms similar to those produced in acute exposure.