betaxolol 0.5 % eye drops

Generic name:
Betaxolol solution - ophthalmic

Pronunciation
(be-TAX-oh-lol)

Brand name(s)
Betoptic

This medication is 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). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. Betaxolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers and works by decreasing the amount of fluid that is made within the eye.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before using the other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Keep using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.

Temporary stinging/discomfort of the eye, watery/dry/itchy/red eyes, blurred vision, feeling as if something is in the eye, headache, trouble sleeping, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• eye pain/swelling/discharge
• vision changes
• increased eye sensitivity to light
• swelling of the ankles/feet
• tiredness
• slow/irregular heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• mental/mood changes
• hair loss
• blue fingers/toes
• cold hands/feet

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• trouble breathing
• sudden unexplained weight gain
• chest pain
• weakness on one side of the body
• trouble speaking
• confusion
• severe dizziness
• fainting

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using betaxolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta blockers (such as timolol, metipranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• diabetes
• low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• muscle weakness disorders (such as myasthenia gravis)
• breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• heart problems (such as heart failure, slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block)
• low blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency)
• poor blood flow to the hands/feet (Raynaud's phenomenon)
• severe allergies

If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of betaxolol. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may make you dizzy or temporarily blur your vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• drugs for high blood pressure (including clonidine, oral beta blockers such as propranolol, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem)
• epinephrine

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. If accidentally swallowed, you may experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.