Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: BETAXOLOL - OPHTHALMIC SUSPENSION (bet-AX-oh-lol, off-THAL-mick)
BRAND NAME(S): Betoptic S
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to reduce pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma or other eye conditions.
HOW TO USE: To instill eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye. Shake bottle well before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. For maximum effect, this medication must be used routinely as prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting your eyes for a minute or two when you first use it. If stinging persists or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying drops. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following effects: dizziness, drowsiness, depression, breathing difficulties, irregular or slow heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: diabetes, thyroid disorders, muscle weakness disorders, breathing problems, heart problems, any allergies. If you are scheduled for surgery that requires anesthesia, tell the doctor treating you that you use this medication. Betaxolol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if betaxolol is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Glaucoma - Get information about glaucoma and its symptoms, signs, and causes. Learn about treatment, prevention, and research on the leading cause of blindness.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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