Health Library

Betaxolol (Into the eye)

Betaxolol (be-TAX-oh-lol)

Lowers pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma or hypertension in the eye. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Betoptic S

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before you use the eye drops. Wait at least for 15 minutes before putting the contact lenses back in.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may affect how betaxolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Amiodarone, digoxin, reserpine
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Insulin or diabetes medicine
• This medicine can be used with other eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before using another eye drops.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood vessel problems (including Raynaud phenomenon), diabetes, lung or breathing problems (including asthma), or an overactive thyroid, muscle problems, or a history of stroke.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Severe eye irritation or pain
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness or lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in vision, drooping upper eyelids
• Redness, itching or watery eye
• Stinging or burning of the eye

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024