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Betaxolol (Ophthalmic) (Drop)

Betaxolol (Into the eye)
Betaxolol (be-TAX-oh-lol)Treats glaucoma. This medicine is a beta-blocker.
Betoptic S

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have asthma, or if you had an allergic reaction to betaxolol or other beta-blockers.

How to Use This Medicine:
Drop

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • Wash your hands before and after you use the medicine.
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Push on the bottom of the bottle to drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Do not squeeze the bottle. Gently close your eye. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute.
  • Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Missed dose: If you use this medicine once a day, use as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, use it only once that day. If you use this medicine more than once a day, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. You should not use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines may affect how betaxolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
    • An oral beta-blocker
    • Reserpine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Tell your doctor if you have emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or severe allergic reactions.
  • Tell your doctor if you use epinephrine for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). This medicine may prevent epinephrine from working correctly.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Severe eye irritation or inflammation
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
  • Eye sensitivity to light
  • Redness, itching or watery eye
  • Stinging or burning of the eye

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088