PHARMAXOLOL EYE DROPS
BETAXOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE
What it does
Betaxolol is a medication used to manage certain heart conditions.
Commonly used for: high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma
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Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:52:17 · updated 2026-08-03 03:01:25
Drug Interactions
1Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Betaxolol appears in TABLE 6: Drugs that cause bradycardia
Betaxolol appears in TABLE 8: Drugs that cause hypotension
Moderate (1)
Betaxolol - increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects
Propafenoneispredictedtoincreasetheriskofcardiovascular adverseeffectswhengivenwithbetablockers,selective (acebutolol,atenolol,betaxolol,bisoprolol,celiprolol,esmolol). Usewithcautionoravoid.rStudy →A
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Betaxolol is a medication used to manage certain heart conditions.
What it treats
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- glaucoma
How it works
Betaxolol helps lower blood pressure and reduces eye pressure by blocking certain receptors in the heart and eyes.
Who it's for
It is prescribed for adults with high blood pressure or glaucoma.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if you are taking other medications that slow your heart rate.
- • Be careful if you are using medications that lower blood pressure.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Betaxolol
BNF-referencedBetaxolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist used primarily in the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension by reducing intraocular pressure.
Indications
- Primary glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension
Dosage
Children: Apply 1-2 times a day; refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidance.
Adults: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) once or twice daily.
Mechanism of action
Betaxolol works by selectively blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the ciliary body, leading to decreased production of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Pharmacodynamics
The drug exhibits a dose-dependent reduction in intraocular pressure, making it effective in both primary and secondary glaucomas. Its selectivity for beta-1 receptors provides a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to non-selective beta blockers.
Pharmacokinetics
Betaxolol is absorbed topically, with systemic absorption being possible. It undergoes hepatic metabolism and has a half-life that allows for twice-daily dosing. The distribution and elimination characteristics are similar to other beta-blockers, but specific details on its pharmacokinetics are limited.
Contra-indications
- bradycardia
- heart block
Adverse effects
- eye discomfort
- eye inflammation
- dry eye
- blurred vision
Interactions
- propafenone: Moderate (increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects)
Precautions
- Patients with corneal disease
- Systemic absorption can occur following topical application
Pregnancy
Refer to specific guidelines; consult healthcare provider.
Breast-feeding
Refer to specific guidelines; consult healthcare provider.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light. Do not freeze.
Formulations
- Betoptic 0.25% suspension eye drops | 5 ml
- Betoptic 0.25% eye drops suspension 0.25ml unit dose | 50 unit
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Betaxolol
PubChem CID 2369Molecular formula: C18H29NO3
Mechanism of action
Betaxolol selectively blocks catecholamine stimulation of beta(1)-adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle. This results in a reduction of heart rate, cardiac output, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and possibly reflex orthostatic hypotension. Betaxolol can also competitively block beta(2)-adrenergic responses in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscles, causing bronchospasm.
Pharmacodynamics
Betaxolol is a competitive, beta(1)-selective (cardioselective) adrenergic antagonist. Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension, arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, glaucoma, and is also used to reduce non-fatal cardiac events in patients with heart failure. Activation of beta(1)-receptors (located mainly in the heart) by epinephrine increases the heart rate and the blood pressure, and the heart consumes more oxygen. Drugs such as betaxolol that block these receptors therefore have the reverse effect: they lower the heart rate and blood pressure and hence are used in conditions when the heart itself is deprived of oxygen. They are routinely prescribed in patients with ischemic heart disease. In addition, beta(1)-selective blockers prevent the release of renin, which is a hormone produced by the kidneys which leads to constriction of blood vessels. Betaxolol is lipophilic and exhibits no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) or membrane stabilizing activity.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.