Generic Betoptic

Chemical Name: BETAXOLOL

Common uses

This medicine is a beta blocker used to treat glaucoma. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking disopyramide, flecainide, ketanserin, prazosin, or verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of heart failure or heart conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Shake well before using a dose. To use this medicine: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye (unless you recently had eye surgery) and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

For patients with diabetes: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include stinging, tearing, burning, or discomfort when first applied. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible, if you experience difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, or headache. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include slowing of heart rate, dizziness, and fainting.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.