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Betoptic S

Common Name:

betaxolol

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How does the Betoptic S medication work? What will it do for me?

Betaxolol belongs to the family of medications known as beta adrenergic blocking agents or "beta-blockers." It is used as an eye drop to lower pressure in the eye to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma or other causes of high pressure inside the eye. The full effects of the eye drops may not be seen for a period of a few weeks.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does the Betoptic S medication come in?

Each mL of sterile, isotonic, aqueous suspension contains betaxolol 0.25%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, mannitol, poly (styrenedivinyl benzene) sulfonic acid, carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), and purified water.

How should I use the Betoptic S medication?

The usual dose is one drop of betaxolol eye drops in the affected eye(s) twice a day. The dose may vary according to need. Your doctor will regularly monitor the pressure in your eye. This medication may be used along with other eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye if one eye drop does not work well enough on its own.

Shake the bottle well before use. To avoid contamination, prevent the tip of the eye dropper from touching anything. Put the cap back on the bottle after use.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard the eye drops within 28 days after opening.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take the Betoptic S medication?

Betaxolol eye drops should not be used by anyone who:

  • is allergic to betaxolol or to any of the ingredients of the medication
  • is in cardiogenic shock
  • has abnormal heart rhythms associated with low heart rate
  • has overt heart failure

What side effects are possible with the Betoptic S medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • blurred vision (temporary)
  • crusting of eyelashes
  • decreased night vision
  • dryness of eye
  • feeling of "something in the eye"
  • increased sensitivity of eye to light
  • itching, stinging, burning, or watering of eye or other eye irritation
  • stinging of eye or other eye irritation (when medication is applied)

Although most of these side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • blurred vision or other change in vision
  • different size pupils of the eyes
  • discoloration of the eyeball
  • droopy upper eyelid
  • eye pain
  • redness of eyes or inside of eyelids
  • redness or irritation of the tongue
  • seeing "double"
  • swelling, irritation, or inflammation of eye or eyelid

Symptoms of too much medication absorbed into the body:

  • ankle, knee, or big toe joint pain or swelling
  • anxiety or nervousness
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • breast pain
  • burning or prickling feeling on body
  • change in taste sensation
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • confusion or depression
  • coughing, wheezing, or troubled breathing
  • decreased sexual ability
  • diarrhea
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • dizziness or feeling faint
  • drowsiness
  • dryness or soreness of throat
  • ear pain
  • feeling of constant movement
  • fever
  • hair loss
  • hallucinations
  • headache
  • hoarseness
  • irregular, fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
  • lightheadedness
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle or joint aches or pain
  • muscle tightness or stiffness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • raw, red, blistering, scaly, or crusted areas of the skin
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • runny, stuffy, or bleeding nose
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for the Betoptic S medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Tolerance: Your system may respond less to betaxolol eye drops after prolonged use. Therefore, regular checkups as prescribed by your doctor are necessary.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if betaxolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with the Betoptic S medication?

There may be an interaction between betaxolol eye drops and any of the following:

  • beta-blockers taken by mouth (e.g., propranolol, atenolol)
  • other eye drops
  • reserpine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Betoptic-S