$Unique_ID{BRK01852}
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$Title{BETAXOLOL (OPHTHALMIC)}
$Subject{Betoptic (Alcon)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BETAXOLOL (OPHTHALMIC)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Betoptic (Alcon)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiglaucoma ophthalmic solution
INGREDIENT:
     betaxolol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Ophthalmic drops (0.5% betaxolol)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.  Discard any
       outdated medication.

USES

     Betaxolol is used to reduce pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma or
other eye conditions.  This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as
beta blockers.  When applied to the eye, betaxolol reduces pressure within the
eye, perhaps by decreasing eye fluid (aqueous humor) production and by
increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye.

TREATMENT

     Wash your hands with soap and water before applying this drug.  To avoid
contamination of the drops, do not touch the tube portion of the dropper or
let it touch your eye; do not wipe off or rinse the dropper after use.
     To apply the drops, tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid
with one hand to make a pouch below the eye.  Drop the prescribed amount of
medicine into this pouch and slowly close your eyes.  Try not to blink.  Keep
your eyes closed, and place one finger at the corner of the eye next to your
nose for a minute or two, applying slight pressure (this is done to prevent
loss of medication into the nose and throat canal).  Then wipe away any excess
with a clean tissue.  Since administering the drug is somewhat difficult, you
may want to have someone else apply the drops for you.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible, then return to your regular dosing schedule.  However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed.  Do not double the
next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     When you first apply this medication, it may
sting or burn your eyes.  This should stop in a few minutes.  You
may also notice sensitivity of your eyes to bright lights or
sunlight.  Wearing sunglasses and avoiding excessive exposure to
sunlight may help relieve this sensitivity.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
hives, irritation of the eye that lasts more than a few minutes after
application, itching, or skin rash.  Major side effects are rare when this
product is used correctly.  However, depression, fluid accumulation, insomnia,
shortness of breath, or swelling of the feet may occur with this drug.  If you
have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Betaxolol may increase the side effects of reserpine and oral beta
blockers.  Before starting to take betaxolol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to betaxolol or to any other beta blocker
(acebutolol, atenolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol,
penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol).
     * Before starting betaxolol, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have
or if you have ever had asthma, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, lung
disease, or thyroid disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.  Your doctor or
dentist may want to gradually withdraw this medication prior to the procedure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although betaxolol
appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of betaxolol will pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
