Betaxolol

Generic name: Betaxolol
Brand names: Kerlone
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class: Cardioselective beta blockers

Usage of Betaxolol

Betaxolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Betaxolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Betaxolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Betaxolol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

slow or uneven heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

lupus-like syndrome--joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color.

Slow heartbeats may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of betaxolol may include:

slow heartbeats;

headache, dizziness;

feeling weak or tired;

upset stomach; or

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Betaxolol

You should not use betaxolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have a serious heart condition, such as:

"AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);

uncontrolled heart failure;

slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or

if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure betaxolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;

diabetes;

a thyroid disorder;

psoriasis; or

liver or kidney disease.

Using betaxolol during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby, or cause heart or lung problems in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using betaxolol.

Betaxolol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Betaxolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Betaxolol

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a dayDose titration: If desired response is not achieved after 1 to 2 weeks, dose may be doubled.Maximum dose: 40 mg per dayComments: -Doses greater than 20 mg once a day did not result in significant additional antihypertensive effects; however, the 40 mg dose has been studied and was well tolerated.Use: Management of hypertension alone or with another antihypertensive agent, especially thiazide diuretics

Warnings

You should not use betaxolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

What other drugs will affect Betaxolol

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

digoxin, digitalis;

a diuretic or "water pill";

other beta-blockers, including medicine for asthma or other breathing disorders, or eye drops used to treat glaucoma; or

any other heart or blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with betaxolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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