betaxolol ophthalmic (Betoptic S, Betoptic)

Betaxolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that is used for the treatment of glaucoma. When taken by mouth, betaxolol and other beta-adrenergic blocking agents act mainly by blocking the action of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system, for example, on the heart. In addition to its effect on the heart, betaxolol reduces the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). This effect is thought to be caused by reducing the production of the liquid (called the aqueous humor) within the anterior chamber of the eye although the precise mechanism of its effect is not known. The reduction in intraocular pressure reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision in patients with elevated intraocular pressure due to glaucoma. Betaxolol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ocular use as a 0.5% solution (Betoptic) in 1985 and as a 0.25% solution (Betoptic S) in 1989.

What brand names are available for betaxolol ophthalmic?

Betoptic S

Is betaxolol ophthalmic available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for betaxolol ophthalmic?

Yes

Betaxolol ophthalmic is a medication prescribed for the treatment of glaucoma.

Ophthalmic betaxolol can cause side effects which are usually mild and transient. The most common side effects are:

• transient ocular (temporary eye) discomfort,
• blurred vision,
• itching,
• swelling, eye pain, and
• dryness.

Rarely, betaxolol eye drops can result in side effects that are seen with oral beta-adrenergic blockers. Other important side effects include:

• fatigue,
• insomnia,
• nausea,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• depression,
• slow heart rate,
• low blood pressure,
• cold extremities, and
• shortness of breath, or
• wheezing.

Both hands should be washed before each use of betaxolol or any other eye medication. The head should be tilted back and the lower lid pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch. The tip of the squeeze bottle should not be touch the eye or eyelid and become contaminated. The bottle should be squeezed slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. The eye is closed gently for 1 to 2 minutes without blinking. The usual dose is 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily. Safe use of beta blockers has been demonstrated in pediatric patients.

Oral Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Inhibitors

Patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor orally and betaxolol ophthalmic should be observed for a potential additive effect either on the intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta blockade.

Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs

Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta–adrenergic receptor inhibitor is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or bradycardia which may result in vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension.

Concomitant Adrenergic Psychotropic Drugs

Betaxolol is an adrenergic receptor inhibitor; therefore, exercise caution in patients using concomitant adrenergic psychotropic drugs.

It is not known whether betaxolol is excreted into breast milk. Safe use of betaxolol during nursing thus has not been established.

What preparations of betaxolol ophthalmic are available?

Ophthalmic solution/suspension: 0.25%, 0.5%

How should I keep betaxolol ophthalmic stored?

These ophthalmic solutions should be kept upright at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) and protected from direct sunlight. They should be well shaken before each use.