betaxolol hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
A relatively selective beta-1 receptor blocker used in the eye.
Licensed uses
Chronic open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Formulation
A preserved eye-drop suspension that must be shaken before use.
Systemic absorption
Some can enter the bloodstream; closing the eyelids or pressing beside the nose reduces this.
What is betaxolol hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed to reduce raised pressure inside the eye in:
Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Ocular hypertension
How does betaxolol hydrochloride work?
Betaxolol mainly blocks beta-1 receptors. In the eye, it reduces production of aqueous humour, lowering pressure inside the eye. This helps limit further glaucoma-related optic-nerve damage but does not restore vision already lost.
betaxolol hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.25% w/v, 0.5%, 0.5% w/v
How to take betaxolol hydrochloride
Use only in the eye as prescribed. Wash your hands, shake the suspension, avoid touching the dropper tip, and replace the cap promptly. After applying it, close the eyelids or press gently at the inner corner beside the nose for about two minutes to reduce absorption into the body.
Remove soft contact lenses before use and follow the product leaflet before reinserting them.
If using other eye drops, separate the applications and use eye ointments last.
Wait until temporary blurred vision clears before driving or operating machinery.
betaxolol hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Eye discomfort or a feeling of something in the eye
- Blurred vision or increased watering
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Wheezing, bronchospasm or significant shortness of breath
- Fainting, marked slowing or disturbance of the heartbeat, chest pain or heart-failure symptoms
- Severe or persistent eye pain, inflammation or visual disturbance needing prompt assessment
betaxolol hydrochloride in pregnancy
Information in pregnancy is limited. The selected product should be used only when the prescriber considers it clearly necessary. Anyone planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant should ask their eye specialist to review treatment. Reducing systemic absorption after each application is particularly important.
betaxolol hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Only small systemic exposure is expected from correctly applied eye drops, and clinically important beta blockade in the infant is considered unlikely. Evidence for betaxolol is limited, so suitability should be reviewed with the prescriber, especially for a premature or newborn infant. Pressing over the tear duct reduces transfer into milk.
betaxolol hydrochloride interactions
Tell the prescriber about all eye drops and other medicines because ophthalmic betaxolol can still have systemic effects.
Oral beta blockers
May add to reductions in heart rate and blood pressure and increase other beta-blocker effects.
Verapamil, diltiazem and other calcium-channel blockers
May increase the risk of low blood pressure, slow heartbeat or impaired cardiac conduction.
Antiarrhythmics, including amiodarone, and digoxin
Combined effects may produce marked bradycardia or conduction problems.
Common questions about betaxolol hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does betaxolol hydrochloride cure glaucoma?
No. It lowers eye pressure to help slow or prevent further damage, but it cannot restore sight already lost from glaucoma.
Why should I press the corner of my eye after using betaxolol hydrochloride?
Pressing beside the nose blocks the tear duct, reducing the amount reaching the bloodstream and potentially reducing systemic side effects.
Can betaxolol hydrochloride eye drops affect the heart?
Yes. Although applied to the eye, some is absorbed systemically and may slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure or worsen certain cardiac conditions.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.