betaxolol suspension – ophthalmic, Betoptic S
Medication Uses: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps prevent blindness. Betaxolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers and works by decreasing fluid production in the eye.
HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any surface. If you wear contact lenses, remove them. Shake the bottle well before using. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye and apply gentle pressure. Repeat these steps for your other eye if directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If using another kind of eye medication, wait at least 10 minutes before using the other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. It is important to continue using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high eye pressure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary stinging/discomfort of the eye, watery/dry/itchy/red eyes, blurred vision, eye sensation, eyelash crusting, headache, trouble sleeping, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if any unlikely but serious side effects occur. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using betaxolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other beta blockers, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain types of heart rhythm problems or certain serious heart conditions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of diabetes, low blood sugar levels, overactive thyroid, muscle weakness disorders, breathing problems, heart failure, or low blood flow to the brain. If you develop an eye infection or injury or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of betaxolol. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can safely perform such activities. Limit alcoholic beverages. If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you use. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
