Kerlone

The active ingredient in Kerlone is betaxolol hydrochloride, a cardioselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. The beta-blocker drug class works by relaxing blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and heart rate.

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 Kerlone. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Kerlone:

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

2. Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery, in case you experience dizziness.

3. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as this can increase the side effects of drowsiness or lightheadedness.

4. This medication should not be discontinued suddenly, as this has been known to cause hypersensitivity to future beta-adrenergic therapy, worsening angina, and heart attacks.

Some mild and common side effects of betaxolol seen in clinical trials include:

• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Fatigue.
• Impotence.
• Rhinitis (runny nose).
• Joint pain.
• Dizziness.
• Trouble breathing.
• Indigestion or heartburn.

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

• 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 leg edema (swelling).
• 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 Kerlone. 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 Kerlone, 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.
• Kidney/ liver disease.
• An upcoming surgery or procedure requiring general anesthesia.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Raynaud’s syndrome.
• Severe thyroid disorder (thyrotoxicosis).
• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, heart block, or slow heartbeat (sinus bradycardia).

• Lung problems such as severe bronchospasm.
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to betaxolol.
• Untreated pheochromocytoma.
• Severe allergies requiring use of epinephrine/ adrenaline (Epi-Pen).
• Sinus bradycardia (a type of slow heartbeat).
• Certain types of heart block.
• Cardiogenic shock.

Betaxolol takes 1-2 weeks before it has a full effect.

When Kerlone 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.

• Digoxin and reserpine, a catecholamine-depleting drug, may worsen the slow heart rate, dizziness, and hypotension felt when you are taking Kerlone.
• Betaxolol may worsen withdrawal from clonidine.
• Amiodarone and other antiarrhythmics may worsen a slow heart rate when taken with Kerlone.
• Epinephrine may not be as effective in treating allergic reactions when you are taking betaxolol.

Kerlone may also interfere with glaucoma screening, as betaxolol eye drops are used for this condition, and discontinuation may cause increased eye pressure.

Brand-name Kerlone is supplied as 10mg or 20mg tablets.

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

It is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis.

Yes, it is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs.

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 may have negative effects on a newborn, including low heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Other agents are generally preferred when treating hypertension in pregnancy.

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.

Other agents are typically preferred when treating hypertension in breastfeeding, as this medication is found in breast milk.

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.