Betoptic

The active ingredient in Betoptic is betaxolol hydrochloride, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Beta-blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing pressure in the eye.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Betoptic. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Betoptic:

1. Any other eye drops or ointments should be applied at least ten minutes before this one.

2. Wash your hands before and after each use. Shake the bottle well.

3. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contamination.

4. To apply the drops, tilt your head up and pull down on your lower eyelid of the affected eye while looking up. Then squeeze the bottle to release one drop of the solution into your eye.

5. Following administration, close your eyes gently and hold pressure on your tear duct (inner corner of your eye, by your nose) for one minute. Then repeat for the other eye if needed.

6. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before administering, then you can re-insert them 15 minutes after.

7. If you use more than one eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between administrations.

8. It is recommended to apply the drops in the evening due to side effects (blurred vision) and increased contact time during sleep.

9. Those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more regularly, as this medication can mask the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

The most common side effects of Betoptic include:

• Temporary blurred vision.
• Eye pain or discomfort.
• Dry eyes.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Betoptic. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Eye infections may present as eye discharge, swelling, irritation, and pain. This is more likely if you allow the dropper tip to touch your eye or other non-clean surfaces.
• Heart problems, including irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Worsening heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid weight gain, fatigue, and fluid retention.
• Acute bronchospasm, which would feel like chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Betoptic. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Betoptic, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Diabetes.
• An upcoming surgery or procedure requiring general anesthesia.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• History of stroke.
• Muscle weakness disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
• Raynaud’s syndrome.
• Severe thyroid disorder (thyrotoxicosis).
• Lung problems such as severe bronchospasm.
• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, heart block, or slow heartbeat (sinus bradycardia).

Angle-closure glaucoma.

Hypersensitivity or allergy to betaxolol or the preservative benzalkonium chloride.

Severe allergies requiring use of epinephrine/ adrenaline (Epi-Pen).

Within a few days of use, you should notice the betaxolol eye drops start to work.

When Betoptic is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

• Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil), antiarrhythmics (amiodarone), and digoxin - these agents may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects when used with betaxolol eye drops.
• Oral beta-adrenergic inhibitors, when combined with these eye drops, may increase the effects of both medications.
• Certain antidepressants, and the drug quinidine, may increase the effect of betaxolol on blood pressure.
• Epinephrine may not be as effective in treating allergic reactions when you are taking betaxolol.

Brand-name Betoptic is supplied as bottles containing 0.5% betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution.

It should be stored at room temperature away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Novartis.

Yes, there are generic versions available for Betoptic.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or as directed by a physician, you should not discontinue this medication suddenly. It needs to be tapered off gradually to avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

Oral betaxolol crosses the placenta, and the eye drops may have similar adverse effects.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Studies show that exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse events in a newborn. If the use of betaxolol is indicated, newborns should be monitored for bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and trouble breathing.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.