Betaxolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Betaxolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use betaxolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure improves.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Betaxolol may be only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and taking other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor, dentist, or eye doctor who treats you that you are using betaxolol.

You should not stop using betaxolol suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose and limiting physical activity for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day
Dose titration: If desired response is not achieved after 1 to 2 weeks, dose may be doubled.
Maximum dose: 40 mg per day

Comments:
-Doses greater than 20 mg once a day did not result in significant additional antihypertensive effects; however, the 40 mg dose has been studied and was well tolerated.

Use: Management of hypertension alone or with another antihypertensive agent, especially thiazide diuretics

You should not use betaxolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have a serious heart condition, such as:

• "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);

• uncontrolled heart failure;

• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or

• if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure betaxolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

• angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• psoriasis; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Using betaxolol during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby, or cause heart or lung problems in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using betaxolol.

Betaxolol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Betaxolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause slow heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or low blood sugar (headache, hunger, irritability, feeling anxious or shaky).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

betaxolol may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Drinking alcohol with betaxolol can cause side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Betaxolol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• slow or uneven heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• lupus-like syndrome--joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color.

Slow heartbeats may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of betaxolol may include:

• slow heartbeats;

• headache, dizziness;

• feeling weak or tired;

• upset stomach; or

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• other beta-blockers, including medicine for asthma or other breathing disorders, or eye drops used to treat glaucoma; or

• any other heart or blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with betaxolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before you are tested for glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes that may lead to vision loss), tell your doctor and the technician that you are taking betaxolol.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.