Betoptic
® (
betaxolol hydrochloride) is a prescription eye drop approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic
open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular
hypertension). There are two different Betoptic products -- regular Betoptic (a solution) and Betoptic S
® (a suspension).
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name Betoptic is made by Alcon Laboratories. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Betoptic belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Beta blockers lower the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Use the Drug
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is applied to the affected eye(s) once a day in the morning.
- Regular Betoptic solution does not need to be shaken. However, you must shake Betoptic S suspension well before each dose.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The dose of Betoptic that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As with any medicine, Betoptic can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects (most people actually 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. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effect of this product during clinical trials was temporary eye discomfort.
(Click Betoptic Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Potential Drug Interactions
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Betoptic?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with this medication could potentially cause serious problems. If you happen to overdose on Betoptic, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Betoptic Be Stored?
This medicine should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Betoptic as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
The medication comes in the following strengths:
- Betoptic 0.5 percent solution
- Betoptic 0.25 percent suspension.
Betoptic solution (but not Betoptic S suspension) is available in generic form
(see Generic Betoptic).
