7 mins read

Uses

What is betaxolol ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Betaxolol ophthalmic is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions cause increased pressure inside the eye.

Betaxolol ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does betaxolol ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

High pressure inside the eye can lead to nerve damage and vision loss. Betaxolol ophthalmic helps to lower pressure inside the eye. It works by reducing the amount of fluid in your eye.

How is betaxolol ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Betoptic
  • Betoptic S

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.25% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

See Betaxolol for information on other dosage forms.

How should I store betaxolol ophthalmic?

Eye Drop Solution. Betaxolol ophthalmic solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Eye Drop Suspension. Betaxolol ophthalmic suspension should be stored upright, between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of betaxolol ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of betaxolol ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye discomfort, such as burning or tearing, after you put the drop in your eye
  • Other eye problems, such as blurry vision, redness, itching, dryness, crusting, or feeling like something is in your eye

There may be other side effects of betaxolol ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of betaxolol ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of betaxolol ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

New or Worsening Heart Failure. Betaxolol ophthalmic mainly works in the eye, but may be absorbed into the blood and affect other parts of the body, such as the heart. While rare, betaxolol ophthalmic may cause or worsen heart failure, which is a condition where the heart is not pumping as well as it should. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Breathing Problems. While rare, betaxolol ophthalmic may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm). Stop using betaxolol ophthalmic and get help right away if you have sudden breathing problems.

Low Blood Pressure. Betaxolol ophthalmic may rarely cause low blood pressure (hypotension). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Heart Rate Changes. Betaxolol ophthalmic may rarely make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or easily tired 
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

Severe Allergic Reactions. Betaxolol ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using betaxolol ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use betaxolol ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use betaxolol ophthalmic. 

  • Betaxolol
  • Betoptic
  • Betoptic S
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific betaxolol ophthalmic products they stock.

Certain Heart Problems. Betaxolol ophthalmic should not be used by people with the following heart conditions.

  • Heart failure, which is when your heart is not pumping as well as it should
  • Bradycardia, which is when your heart is beating too slow
  • Heart block, which is when the electrical signals in your heart are slowed
  • Cardiogenic shock, which is when your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body

What should I know about betaxolol ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use betaxolol ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share betaxolol ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep betaxolol ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Betaxolol ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. Some forms of this medicine need to be shaken before using. You also need to remove contact lenses before using some forms of betaxolol ophthalmic eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contacts back in. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least ten minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines. 

Eye infections may occur if your betaxolol eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or need to have eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Betaxolol ophthalmic may cause blurry vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how this medicine affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using betaxolol ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if betaxolol ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Problems with blood circulation, such as Raynaud’s syndrome

Planned Surgery. Using betaxolol ophthalmic may increase the risks with medicines commonly used during major surgery (anesthesia). Tell your healthcare provider if you have major surgery planned.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Betaxolol ophthalmic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using betaxolol ophthalmic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how betaxolol ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if betaxolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use betaxolol ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does betaxolol ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between betaxolol ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect betaxolol ophthalmic.

Does betaxolol ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following medicines before using betaxolol ophthalmic.

  • A beta-blocker that you take by mouth, such as atenolol (Tenormin) or metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), which is a medicine commonly used for high blood pressure or certain heart conditions
  • Other beta-blocker eye drops, such as levobunolol (AKBeta, Betagan) or timolol (Betimol, Timoptic) 
  • Epinephrine injection (Epipen, Auvi-Q, and others)
  • A calcium channel blocker, such as diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others) or verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or other conditions
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic), such as amiodarone
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with betaxolol ophthalmic. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much betaxolol ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much betaxolol ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of betaxolol ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.