Betaxolol
Description
Betaxolol, the primary ingredient of Betaxolol, is available in both ophthalmic and oral forms. The ophthalmic form is used for the treatment of increased fluid pressure inside the eyes (intraocular hypertension) and open-angle glaucoma, a condition which may lead to eventual vision loss. The oral form is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Patients are advised to maintain a strict exercise and diet regimen along with the oral form of this medicine to obtain the best possible effect. The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Betaxolol
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rash
- Eye pain
- Drowsiness
Uses of Betaxolol
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypertension
- Intraocular hypertension
- Open angle Glaucoma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionOphthalmic use: The effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes to 1 hour of administration of the dose. Oral use: The effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 to 2 hours of oral administration.
- Duration of effectOphthalmic use: The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 12 hours. Oral use: The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to betaxolol or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Cardiogenic shock
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a cardiogenic shock due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Second or third-degree heart block
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a second or third-degree heart block due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Bradycardia
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from bradycardia due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Asthma/COPD
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use if you have asthma or other obstructive diseases of the lung since it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/using this medicine.
General warnings
Use in children
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
The ophthalmic form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients below 18 years of age; however, your doctor may prescribe it in certain specific conditions where the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. In such cases, the patient should be monitored closely for any side effects and the side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Bacterial Keratitis
If the ophthalmic solution of this medicine is contaminated by bacteria, it can lead to an infection of the cornea (bacterial keratitis). Patients are advised to take all hygienic precautions to ensure that the medicine is not contaminated.
Contact lens
Based on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to avoid the use of contact lenses. If you are allowed to use contact lenses, remove them prior to the administration of the eye drops. They can be reinserted 15 minutes post administration.
Driving or Operating the machines
This medicine may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Sports
Athletes are advised not to indulge in certain sports while using this medicine. Archery, racing, shooting and other high-risk sports should be avoided. Sportspersons should refer to the list of medicines published by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which are not to be taken while participating in specific sports events.
Missed Dose
Oral Use: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Ophthalmic use: Administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Atazanavir
Clonidine
Verapamil
Aminophylline
Theophylline
Diltiazem
Oxtriphylline
Methacholine
Disease interactions
Hyperthyroidism
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from hyperthyroidism due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of thyroid function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from peripheral vascular diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of blood pressure and heart function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Diabetes
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of altered blood glucose levels. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral: Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Ophthalmic use: Use this medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Ophthalmic use: This medicine works by reducing the fluid pressure inside the eyes.
Oral use: This medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels and slowing the heartbeat. This results in improved blood flow and lowering of blood pressure.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Cardioselective beta blockers, Ophthalmic glaucoma agents
Schedule
Schedule H
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Betaxolol Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Betaxolol- betaxolol hydrochloride solution/ drops [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Betaxolol Hydrochloride- betaxolol hydrochloride tablet, coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 7 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 21 Jan 2019
Disclaimer
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