Betoptic Eye Drops

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > B



How does it work?

Betaxolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. These medicines block beta-receptors in the heart, lungs and other areas of the body. When given as eye drops, this medicine acts on receptors in the blood vessels of the eye and causes them to constrict. This decreases the amount of watery fluid (aqueous humour) that passes out of the blood vessels into the eye-ball. Betaxolol also blocks the area of the eye that actively produces aqueous humour. The effect of this is to reduce intraocular pressure. Betaxolol is used to treat glaucoma. This is a condition where the fluid drainage from the eye is impaired, resulting in fluid build-up and increased pressure in the eye.

What is it used for?

- Open angle glaucoma

Warning!

- You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This it because the medicine contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation.

Use with caution in

- Asthma
- Diabetes mellitus
- History of obstructive airways disease
- Thyrotoxicosis

Not to be used in

- Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Severe heart failure
- Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.