This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Betoptic Consumer Information
BETOPTIC
Generic Name: betaxolol ophthalmic (bay TAX oh lol)
Brand Names: Betoptic, Betoptic S
What is the most important information I should know about betaxolol ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
What is betaxolol ophthalmic?
- Betaxolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Betaxolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.
- Betaxolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
- Betaxolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not use betaxolol ophthalmic?
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- asthma or another chronic lung disease;
- a very slow heart rate;
- heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;
- diabetes; or
- an overactive thyroid.
- You may not be able to use betaxolol ophthalmic, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Betaxolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether betaxolol ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether betaxolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use betaxolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use betaxolol ophthalmic?
- Use betaxolol ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.
- Shake the Betoptic S eyedrops before use.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. It is a sterile surface. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store betaxolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a heart attack.
What should I avoid while using betaxolol ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- If you wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after a dose of betaxolol ophthalmic before putting them in.
- Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.