Skip to content

Betaxolol

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Kerlone (DSC), Betoptic, Betoptic S

    • Beta-Blockers, Beta-1 Selective
    • Antiglaucoma, Beta-Blockers

    Beta-1-selective adrenergic antagonist; oral and ophthalmic forms available; does not have ISA or membrane-stabilizing activity; selectivity for the beta-1-receptor makes it a preferred agent in patients with bronchospastic pulmonary disease; used for hypertension and glaucoma.

    Indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

    For the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
    NOTE: Beta-blockers are generally less effective in the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma than for open angle-glaucoma. 

    Sinus bradycardia, 2°/3° heart block, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure, hypersensitivity, sick sinus syndrome without permanent pacemaker

    • Fatigue (2-10%)
    • Bradycardia (6-8%)
    • Chest pain (2-7%)
    • Dyspepsia (2-5%)
    • Lethargy (3%)
    • Cold extremeties (2%)
    • Diarrhea (2%)
    • Dyspnea (2%)
    • Edema (2%)
    • Palpitation (2%)
    • Pharyngitis (2%)
    • Angina
    • Arrhythmia
    • Flushing
    • Depression
    • Fever
    • Hallucinations
    • Malaise
    • Neuropathy
    • Rash
    • Diabetes
    • Hyperglycemia
    • Anemia
    • Hypercholesterolemia
    • Hyperlipidemia
    • Leukocytosis
    • cataracts

    Bronchospastic disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency, CHF, cardiomegaly, DM, hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis, liver disease, renal impairment, peripheral vascular disease (potential risk of reduced placental perfusion, fetal bradycardia, hypoglycemia), use in pheochromocytoma, IDDM

    Surgery/Anesthesia: Chronically administered beta-blockers should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery; however, impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli may augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: excreted in milk; use caution

    Adults

    20 mg/day PO; 4 drops/day 0.5% ophthalmic solution or 2 drops/day 0.25% ophthalmic suspension in each affected eye.

    Elderly

    20 mg/day PO; 4 drops/day 0.5% ophthalmic solution or 2 drops/day 0.25% ophthalmic suspension in each affected eye.

    Adolescents

    Safety and efficacy of oral and 0.5% ophthalmic solution have not been established; 2 drops/day 0.25% ophthalmic suspension in each affected eye.

    Children

    Safety and efficacy of oral and 0.5% ophthalmic solution have not been established; 2 drops/day 0.25% ophthalmic suspension in each affected eye.

    Betaxolol hydrochloride

    tablet

    • 10mg
    • 20mg

    ophthalmic solution

    • 0.5% (Betoptic)

    ophthalmic suspension

    • 0.25% (Betoptic S)