betaxolol

Betaxolol is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevention of chest pain (angina). Betaxolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (beta-blocker). The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system — a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system — release a chemical related to adrenaline that binds to the heart-rate controlling cells in the heart as well as the muscles of the heart. Binding causes the heart to beat faster and the muscles of the heart to contract more vigorously and work harder. Betaxolol blocks the binding of the adrenaline-like chemical and prevents the increases in heart rate and muscular contraction.

As a result, blood pressure is lowered. By reducing the heart rate and muscular contraction, betaxolol also reduces the heart's need for oxygen to generate energy. Since angina pectoris (heart pain) occurs when the heart's need for oxygen is too great and exceeds the supply of oxygen, betaxolol can prevent angina pectoris. Betaxolol was approved by the FDA in 1985.

In patients with existing slow heart rate (bradycardia) and heart block (defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), betaxolol can cause a dangerously slow heart rate and even shock. Betaxolol reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can aggravate symptoms of heart failure.

In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping betaxolol can suddenly worsen angina, and occasionally precipitate heart attacks. If it is necessary to discontinue betaxolol, its dosage should be reduced gradually over several weeks.

Like all other beta-blockers, betaxolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes and can increase or decrease blood sugar. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.

Betaxolol generally is well tolerated, and side effects usually are mild and transient. Common side effects include:

• abdominal cramps,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• fatigue,
• insomnia,
• nausea,
• depression,
• dreaming,
• memory loss,
• fever,
• impotence,
• lightheadedness,
• slow heart rate,
• low blood pressure,
• numbness,
• tingling,
• cold extremities,
• sore throat, and
• shortness of breath or
• wheezing.

Other important side effects include aggravation of breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Betaxolol usually is taken once daily. The optimal dose varies among patients. The recommended dose range is 5-20 mg daily.

The blood pressure-lowering effects of betaxolol add to the blood pressure-lowering effects of other drugs. For this reason, combinations of betaxolol and other blood pressure-lowering drugs often are used to treat persons with high blood pressure.

Betaxolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.

When used in combination with diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor), verapamil (Calan; Isoptin; Verelan; Covera), amiodarone (Cordarone), or digoxin (Lanoxin), betaxolol or other beta-blockers, can cause complete block of the heart's electrical system causing serious abnormal heart rhythms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of beta-blockers such as betaxolol.

There is very little information about the effects of betaxolol in pregnant women. Physicians may use betaxolol if its benefits are deemed to outweigh the potential and unknown risks to the fetus.

Concentrations of betaxolol in breast milk may be up to three times those in the mother's blood. Therefore, betaxolol is used in nursing mothers only if the benefits outweigh potential risks to the infant.

What preparations of betaxolol are available?

Tablets: 10 and 20 mg.

How should I keep betaxolol stored?

Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).