Betaxolol (By mouth)
be-TAX-oh-lol
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a beta-blocker.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Betaxolol is used alone or together with other medicines (such as hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine 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 and foods can affect how betaxolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Asthma medicine Diabetes medicine Medicine to treat chest pain (angina) or heart rhythm problemsWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to any beta-blocker, or if you have certain heart problems. Ask your doctor about these heart problems.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, 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.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you may develop life-threatening heart problems. Your doctor may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level, and it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use machines if you are not alert.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking this medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Fainting or severe dizziness
Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
Swelling of your feet or ankles
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Worsening chest pain
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cold hands and feet
Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or depressed
Trouble having sex
Trouble sleeping
Unusual tiredness or weakness
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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Kerlone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.