Betaxolol Eye Solution or Suspension

What is this medication?

BETAXOLOL (be TAX oh lol) treats conditions with increased pressure of the eye, such as glaucoma. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Betoptic S

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Lung disease like asthma or emphysema
• Thyroid disease
• Wear contact lenses
• An unusual or allergic reaction to betaxolol, other beta blockers, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
• Diuretics

Do not use other eye products with this medication without asking your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Stop using this medication if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your care team as soon as you can. Ask your care team if you should continue to use this medication if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medication. You should wait about 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes before putting your lenses back in.

Wear dark glasses if this medication makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.