Betaxolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution has been shown to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure and is indicated in the treatment of ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma. It may be used alone or in combination with other anti-glaucoma drugs.
Beta-blocker; Anti-glaucoma
Betaxolol is a selective (beta-1-adrenergic) receptor blocking agent that does not have significant membrane stabilizing (local anesthetic) activity and is free from intrinsic sympathomimetic action. When instilled into the eye, Betaxolol reduces elevated as well as normal intraocular pressure, whether or not accompanied by glaucoma. Optic nerve head damage and visual field loss are results of a sustained elevated intraocular pressure and poor ocular perfusion. The ocular hypotensive action of Betaxolol appears to be mediated by a reduction of aqueous production as demonstrated by tonography and aqueous flurophotometry. Betaxolol ophthalmic solution does not produce miosis or accommodative spasm which is frequently seen with miotic.
The onset of action with Betaxolol can generally be noted within 30 minutes and the maximal effect can usually be detected two hours after topical administration. A single dose provides a 12-hour reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and twice daily administration maintains the IOP below 22 mm Hg in most patients.
ORAL Angina pectoris; Hypertension: Adult: Initially, 10-20 mg once daily. May increase dose to 40 mg/day if necessary after 7-14 days depending on the patient’s response. Elderly: Initial dose of 5-10 mg/day. OPHTHALMIC Open-angle glaucoma; Ocular hypertension: Adult: Instil 1 drop of 0.25% or 0.5% soln bid.
Patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent orally and Betaxolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution should be observed for a potential additive effect either on the intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta blockade. Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or bradycardia. Caution should be exercised in patients using concomitant adrenergic psychotropic drugs. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, the immediate treatment objective is to reopen the angle by constriction of the pupil with a miotic agent. Betaxolol has little or no effect on the pupil. When Betaxolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in angle-closure glaucoma, it should be used with a miotic and not alone.
Sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure. Pregnancy. Poor cardiac reserve, bronchospastic diseases, DM, renal or hepatic impairment. May mask signs of hyperthyroidism. Gradual withdrawal is recommended. Children. Lactation.
Topical use in eye: Mild ocular stinging & discomfort, usually transient & well-tolerated. Rarely, decreased corneal sensitivity, erythema, itching, keratitis & photophobia reported; tiredness, fatigue, headache, impotence, sleep disturbances, cold hands & feet, GI upsets, bradycardia esp in elderly.
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
No information is available on overdosage. A topical overdosage of Betaxolol ophthalmic solution may be flushed from the eye(s) with warm tap water.
Store at room temperature. It is desirable that the content should not be used more than one month after first opening of the bottle.
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