Betaxolol hydrochloride 0.5% w/v
Class: Ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocker
Manufacturer: Alcon
Dosage Form: Sterile ophthalmic solution
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with:
- Chronic open-angle glaucoma (primary indication).
- Ocular hypertension (high eye pressure without optic nerve damage).
- May be used alone or adjunctively with other IOP-lowering agents (e.g., prostaglandin analogs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors).
Lowers IOP to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss in glaucoma. Not for angle-closure glaucoma (may require miotic adjunct) or acute attacks—doctor must confirm diagnosis.
Dosage:
Instill into affected eye(s) only; wash hands; tilt head back, pull lower lid down, instill without touching eye. Blink gently; close eye 1–2 minutes (press inner corner to reduce drainage).
Typical:
Adults (including elderly): 1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily (every 12 hours).
Children: Limited data/safety not established—use only under specialist advice.
Duration: Long-term (chronic glaucoma management); regular IOP checks (e.g., first month, then as needed).
If using other eye drops, wait 5–10 minutes between applications. Remove soft contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes after to reinsert—may discolor lenses).
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Ocular discomfort (burning/stinging/irritation upon instillation), blurred vision (temporary), dry/itchy/watery eyes, foreign body sensation, redness.
Less common: Headache, systemic effects (rare due to low absorption: bradycardia/slow heart rate, hypotension/low BP, bronchospasm in asthmatics, fatigue).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash/swelling/breathing difficulty), worsening eye pain/redness/discharge (infection/progression), systemic beta-blocker effects (e.g., heart failure signs, masking hypoglycemia in diabetics), or corneal issues.
Warnings & Precautions:
Systemic absorption possible (same risks as oral beta-blockers)—caution in heart failure, bradycardia, AV block, cardiogenic shock, asthma/COPD (bronchospasm risk), diabetes (masks hypoglycemia), hyperthyroidism (masks tachycardia), or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness).
Monitor IOP regularly; if no response after weeks, reassess treatment.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation (rebound IOP rise).
Not for angle-closure glaucoma alone (may worsen).
Contact lenses: Remove before use; wait 15 minutes after.
Discard 4 weeks after opening.
Monitor IOP regularly; if no response after weeks, reassess treatment.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation (rebound IOP rise).
Not for angle-closure glaucoma alone (may worsen).
Contact lenses: Remove before use; wait 15 minutes after.
Discard 4 weeks after opening.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited human data; animal studies show no major risks at therapeutic doses—use only if clearly needed (low systemic absorption); consult doctor.
Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; caution advised—consult provider.
Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; caution advised—consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Minimal significant (low systemic absorption).
Oral beta-blockers/calcium channel blockers/antiarrhythmics/digitalis: Additive bradycardia/hypotension.
Catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine): Additive effects.
Other ophthalmic beta-blockers: Additive IOP/systemic effects—avoid concurrent.
Oral beta-blockers/calcium channel blockers/antiarrhythmics/digitalis: Additive bradycardia/hypotension.
Catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine): Additive effects.
Other ophthalmic beta-blockers: Additive IOP/systemic effects—avoid concurrent.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to betaxolol or components (e.g., benzalkonium chloride preservative).
Sinus bradycardia, second/third-degree AV block, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure.
Reactive airway disease (e.g., asthma/bronchospasm history—relative but caution advised).
Sinus bradycardia, second/third-degree AV block, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure.
Reactive airway disease (e.g., asthma/bronchospasm history—relative but caution advised).
Price: Ksh 1070/-
Notes:
0.5% solution common; 0.25% suspension variant exists