Betoptic (Betaxolol Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Betoptic Used For?
Betoptic contains betaxolol hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of medicines called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Your doctor has prescribed this medication to treat elevated pressure inside your eyes.
Primary Uses
Betoptic is used to lower elevated intraocular pressure (pressure within your eyes) that can damage your eyesight and lead to glaucoma. It can be used alone or combined with other medicines to treat this condition.
How It Works
Betoptic works by reducing the amount of fluid produced within your eyes, which helps lower the pressure inside them.
Good to know: There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma, but Betoptic helps control the condition even though it doesn’t cure it completely.
How to Take Betoptic
It’s important to shake Betoptic Eye Drops well before using them. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully for proper application.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times each day. Use at the same time each day for best results. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Betoptic and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to use Betoptic, apply the missed drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular timing.
Important: Never use a double dose to make up for the one you missed. Don’t use Betoptic more often than prescribed.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- discomfort or pain in the eye(s)
- loss of feeling to the surface of the eye(s)
- redness, inflammation, irritation and/or itching in eyes or eyelids
- blurred vision and/or problems seeing clearly
- feeling that something is in your eye(s)
- eyelid spasms
- dry eye(s)
- crusty eyelashes or eyelids
- discomfort due to greater sensitivity to light
- weakness or easily fatigued eyes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- changes in breathing (wheezing or asthma)
- cough
- respiratory infection, sinusitis, runny nose
- circulation problems
- fast or slowing of heart beat, irregular heart beat
- nausea
- trouble sleeping
- headache
- dizziness
- fainting
- tiredness and/or depression
- decreased libido
- hives and more severe forms of skin rash
- flaking skin and/or hair loss
- sore tongue
- altered taste sensation
Important Warnings
Before using Betoptic, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Betoptic
Don’t use Betoptic if you’re allergic to betaxolol hydrochloride or any other ingredients, have a very slow or irregular heartbeat, or have cardiac failure or other serious heart conditions. Not recommended for children as safety hasn’t been established.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have respiratory or breathing disorders (like asthma), diabetes, overactive thyroid, muscle weakness, heart conditions, severe circulation disorders, phaeochromocytoma, or metabolic acidosis. Also inform them if you’re scheduled for surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Betoptic during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines can interfere with Betoptic or affect how well it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- other beta-blockers
- calcium blockers, including amiodarone
- digitalis glycosides
- certain medicines used to treat lower blood pressure (e.g. reserpine)
- some medicines used to treat major mental illnesses
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Betoptic affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances may affect your ability to drive and use machinery. If blurred vision occurs when you use your drops, wait until your vision is clear before driving.
Storage
Keep Betoptic Eye Drops in a cool place, below 25°C. Do not freeze. Store the bottle in the outer carton. Don’t leave in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill, or in the car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep away from children in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground. Discard each bottle 4 weeks after opening – write the opening date on the label as a reminder.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally put too many drops in your eye(s), immediately rinse with warm water or normal saline. If anyone accidentally swallows Betoptic Eye Drops, immediately call your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Betoptic works by reducing fluid production in your eyes to lower eye pressure. You must continue using it as prescribed to maintain its effectiveness.
No, don’t put Betoptic into your eyes while wearing soft contact lenses. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be deposited in the lenses. Remove your lenses before using the drops and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
The source material doesn’t indicate that Betoptic is addictive. It’s a beta-adrenergic blocking agent used to treat eye pressure, not a controlled substance.
Betoptic helps control your glaucoma but doesn’t cure it, so you must keep using it until your doctor tells you to stop. Don’t discontinue without consulting your doctor first.
It’s important to shake Betoptic Eye Drops well before using them as stated in the instructions. This ensures the medication is properly mixed for effective treatment.
Yes, but wait at least 5 minutes after using Betoptic before putting any other eye drops in your eyes. Tell your doctor about all eye medications you’re using.
Store in a cool place below 25°C, don’t freeze, and keep in the outer carton. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening – write the opening date on the label to remember when to throw it away.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.