Uses
Betaxolol is used alone or with other medications to control high blood pressure. Betaxolol is in a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Side Effects Of Betaxolol
Betaxolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- extreme tiredness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- unusual dreams
- heartburn
- nausea
- diarrhea
- joint pain
- decreased sexual ability in men
- cold hands and feet
- numbness, burning or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- rash
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing, especially during activity or when lying down
- swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unexplained weight gain
- fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
Betaxolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking betaxolol:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to betaxolol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in betaxolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); beta blocker eye drops such as betaxolol (Betoptic), carteolol (Ocupress), levobunolol (Akbeta, Betagan), metipranolol (Optipranolol), and timolol (Betimol, Timoptic, in Cosopt); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Tarka, others); clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, in Clorpres); digoxin ( Lanoxin); disopyramide (Norpace); epinephrine (Epipen); and reserpine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have heart failure or any other heart problems. Your doctor may tell you not to take betaxolol if you have heart failure or other heart problems.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had angina (chest pain); asthma or other lung diseases; diabetes; psoriasis (a skin condition); pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys); severe allergies; or kidney, liver, or thyroid disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking betaxolol, call your doctor.
- tell any doctor, dentist, or eye doctor who will be treating you that you are taking betaxolol. This is especially important if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
- you should know that betaxolol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Betaxolol Dosage
Betaxolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Take betaxolol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take betaxolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of betaxolol and may increase your dose after 7-14 days if your blood pressure is not controlled.
Betaxolol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. It may take 1-2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of betaxolol is noted. Continue to take betaxolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking betaxolol without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking betaxolol, your blood pressure may increases and you may develop new or worsening chest pain. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over about 2 weeks and will monitor you carefully during this time. Your doctor may also tell you to limit physical activity while your dose is being decreased.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before you are tested for glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes that may lead to vision loss), tell your doctor and the technician that you are taking betaxolol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
