Betaxolol Drops

Pronunciation: be-TAX-oh-lol
Generic Name: Betaxolol
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Betaxolol Drops are used for:

Treating increased pressure in the eye (ocular hypertension) and open-angle glaucoma. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Betaxolol Drops are a beta-blocker for use in the eye. It works by decreasing fluid production and pressure inside the eye.

Do NOT use Betaxolol Drops if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Betaxolol Drops


• you have greater than first-degree heart block, shock caused by severe heart problems, uncontrolled heart failure, or a very slow heartbeat

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Betaxolol Drops:

Some medical conditions may interact with Betaxolol Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have bronchitis, narrow-angle glaucoma (angle-closure glaucoma), double vision, a drooping eyelid, an eye infection or injury, certain muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis, muscle weakness), or an overactive thyroid


• if you have a history of lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), diabetes, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), or blood vessel problems (eg, in the brain, in the hands and feet)


• if you have had or will be having eye surgery


• if you are taking an oral beta-blocker (eg, metoprolol)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Betaxolol Drops. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Diltiazem, flecainide, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of Betaxolol Drops's side effects


• Alfuzosin or prazosin because if low blood pressure occurs after their first dose, Betaxolol Drops may cause it to be more severe or to last longer


• Clonidine because high blood pressure may occur in some cases, especially if you suddenly stop taking clonidine while taking Betaxolol Drops


• Insulin or oral diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide) because the risk of low blood sugar levels may be increased


• Reserpine because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Betaxolol Drops

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Betaxolol Drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Betaxolol Drops:

Use Betaxolol Drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you use other medicines in the eye, use them at least 10 minutes before using Betaxolol Drops.


• To use Betaxolol Drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Instill Betaxolol Drops into your eye as directed. Gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid (unless you recently had eye surgery) for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink.


• Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.


• Ask your doctor how to use your contact lenses while using Betaxolol Drops.


• To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.


• Using Betaxolol Drops at the same time each day will help you remember to use it.


• Continue to use Betaxolol Drops even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• If you miss a dose of Betaxolol Drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Betaxolol Drops.

Important safety information:

• Betaxolol Drops may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Betaxolol Drops with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Betaxolol Drops before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk of an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Betaxolol Drops.


• Diabetes patients - Betaxolol Drops may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs of low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.


• Betaxolol Drops may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.


• Lab tests, including eye pressure checks, may be performed while you use Betaxolol Drops. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Betaxolol Drops should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Betaxolol Drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if Betaxolol Drops are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Betaxolol Drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Betaxolol Drops:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; crusty lashes; dry eyes; mild burning, stinging, itching, or tearing; mild eye discomfort, pain, redness, or discharge; sensation of something in the eye.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); drooping eyelid; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; sensitivity to light; severe or persistent dizziness; shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, legs, or feet; unusual weakness; vision changes (eg, decreased vision clearness, double vision); wheezing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fainting; shortness of breath; slow heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, legs, or feet. Betaxolol Drops may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Betaxolol Drops:

Store Betaxolol Drops upright at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Betaxolol Drops out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Betaxolol Drops, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Betaxolol Drops are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Betaxolol Drops. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Betaxolol resources

• Betaxolol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Betaxolol Drug Interactions
• Betaxolol Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Betaxolol - Add your own review/rating

Compare Betaxolol with other medications

• Glaucoma, Open Angle
• Intraocular Hypertension