Betaxolol Ophthalmic

Contraindications

Severe CHF, hypersensitivity, sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, >1st deg AV block, uncompensated cardiac failure

Cautions

Patients receiving topical betaxolol and a systemic ß-adrenergic blocking agent concomitantly should be observed carefully for potential additive effects on IOP &/or systemic effects of ß-adrenergic blockade

History of cardiac failure or heart block, discontinue at first S/S of impending cardiac failure

May mask S/S of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia)

Wait 15 min before inserting contact lenses

Inadvertent contamination of ophthalmic solution/suspension may result in bacterial keratitis

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Solution, Ophthalmic:

Generic: 0.5% (5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL)

Suspension, Ophthalmic:

Betoptic-S: 0.25% (10 mL, 15 mL)

Competitively blocks beta1-receptors, with little or no effect on beta2-receptors; with ophthalmic use, reduces intraocular pressure by reducing the production of aqueous humor

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation (concentrations ~1/10 to 1/20 of oral dosing) (Vainio-Jylhä, 2001)

Excretion

Urine (>80%, as unchanged drug [15%] and inactive metabolites)

Elevated intraocular pressure: Treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Refer to adult dosing.

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Ophthalmic: Shake suspension well before using. Tilt head back and instill in eye. Keep eye open and do not blink for 30 seconds. Apply gentle pressure to lacrimal sac for 1 minute. Wipe away excess from skin. Do not touch applicator to eye and do not contaminate tip of applicator.

You should not use this medicine if you have a serious heart condition or slow heartbeats.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The usual dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye 2 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Shake the eyedrops well just before using them.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Betaxolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or eye infection.

If you need surgery, including eye surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using betaxolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• oral betaxolol (Blocadren);

• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;

• any other beta-blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others;

• a calcium channel blocker--amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil, and others;

• medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder--chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine; or

• heart or blood pressure medicine--amiodarone, digoxin, reserpine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with betaxolol ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Data not available