Betaxol (Betaxolol) is a USFDA approved safe & selective β1-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. It lowers intraocular pressure by reducing the rate of production of aqueous humour. The onset of action can generally be noted within 30 minutes.

Description

Betaxolol is a USFDA-approved safe & selective β1 receptor blocker. It decreases aqueous humor production by blocking selectively the beta-1 receptor in the ciliary body as a result, IOP is lowered. Also, Betaxolol shows Ca++ channel blocking property. Due to this property, Betaxolol exerts neuroprotective action. The onset of action with Betaxolol can generally be noted within 30 minutes and the IOP lowering effect can usually be detected 2 hours after topical administration.

Presentation

    Betaxol Eye Drops: Each ml contains Betaxolol Hydrochloride BP equivalent to Betaxolol 5 mg.

Indications

    Betaxol is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Dosage & Administration

    The usual dose is one drop to be instilled into the affected eye(s) twice daily. It may be used alone or in combination with other anti-glaucoma drugs, like- pilocarpine and other miotics, and epinephrine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Contrainidications

    Betaxolol eye drops are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product. It is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia, greater than a first-degree atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock, or patients with overt cardiac failure.

Warning & Precautions

    For ophthalmic use only.
     To avoid possible contamination of the drops, do not touch the dropper tip or any surface.
     If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five (5) minutes between applications.
     Caution should be exercised in patients using concomitant adrenergic psychotropic drugs.
     Mydriasis resulting from concomitant use of adrenaline (epinephrine) has been reported occasionally.
     Betaxolol has little or no effect on the pupil. When it is used to reduce elevated IOP in angle-closure glaucoma, it should be used with a miotic and not alone.

Side effects

    The discomfort of short duration and occasional tearing have been reported.

Drug interaction

Use in special groups

    Use in pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate data and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Betaxolol should be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
    Use in lactation: It is not known whether Betaxolol is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised while giving eye drops to a nursing mother.
    Use in children: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
    Use in geriatric patients: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.

Packing

    Betaxol Eye Drops: Each LDPE dropper bottle contains 5 ml Sterile Eye Drops.