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Betoptic Side Effects
Temporary eye discomfort is the most common side effect reported with both forms of Betoptic. The medication has also been known to cause blurred vision, insomnia, and sensitivity to light. While most side effects of this product are mild, you should notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience rapid weight gain, muscle weakness, or depression.
As with any medicine, Betoptic® (betaxolol hydrochloride) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Betoptic. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Betoptic side effects with you.)
Betoptic has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented. In these studies, the most common side effect of Betoptic was temporary eye discomfort. This was the most common side effect of both regular Betoptic solution and Betoptic S® suspension. The exact percentages of people who developed this (or other side effects) were not provided.
Other side effects included (but were not limited to):
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye itching
- Dry eyes
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Hair loss
- Changes in taste and smell
- Headaches.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD