Drug Notes

Betaxolol (By mouth)

Betaxolol (be-TAX-oh-lol)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how betaxolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Asthma medicine
  • Diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat chest pain (angina) or heart rhythm problems

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, diabetes, or severe allergic reactions.
• Tell your doctor if you use epinephrine for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). This medicine may prevent epinephrine from working correctly.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you may develop life-threatening heart problems. Your doctor may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level, and it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use machines if you are not alert.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of your feet or ankles
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Worsening chest pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cold hands and feet
• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or depressed
• Trouble having sex
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017