Betoptic Eyedrops (Betaxolol)

Do’s

• Wash your hands thoroughly before using Betoptic drops.
• Shake the bottle well before each use (if applicable for your specific Betoptic formulation).
• Tilt your head back, look upwards, and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a pouch.
• Apply one drop into the pouch as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice a day.
• Close your eye gently for 1-2 minutes and apply gentle pressure at the corner of your eye near the nose to prevent drainage.
• Repeat for the other eye if instructed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop per eye.
• Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use.
• Use Betoptic regularly at the same times each day.
• Continue using Betoptic even if you feel well.

Don'ts

• Don't touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.
• Don't use Betoptic while wearing contact lenses. Remove them before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.
• Don't rinse the dropper.
• Don't use Betoptic with other eye medications within 10 minutes. Use eye drops before eye ointments.
• Don't drive or operate machinery until your vision clears after using Betoptic.

Common Side Effects:

• Temporary stinging, burning, and discomfort in the eye
• Watery, dry, itchy, or red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Feeling as if something is in the eye
• Crusting of eyelashes
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dizziness
• Swollen or puffy eyes
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Altered sense of taste or smell

Serious Side Effects:

• Eye pain, swelling, discharge
• Vision changes
• Increased eye sensitivity to light
• Swelling of the ankles/feet
• Tiredness
• Slow/irregular heartbeat
• Mental/mood changes
• Hair loss
• Blue fingers/toes, cold hands/feet
• Bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing)
• Feeling short of breath while lying down
• Chest pain, cough with foamy mucus
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking, confusion
• Severe dizziness, fainting
• Allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Betoptic eye drops, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to betaxolol, other beta-blockers (timolol, metipranolol), or any ingredients in Betoptic Drops, especially preservatives like benzalkonium chloride.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Betoptic Drops, especially:

• Diabetes
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Muscle weakness disorders (myasthenia gravis)
• Breathing problems (asthma, COPD)
• Heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, certain heart blocks)
• Low blood flow to the brain or hands/feet (cerebrovascular insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Severe allergies

Consult your healthcare provider if you develop an eye infection, or injury, or have eye surgery. You may need to use a new bottle of Betoptic Drops.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Betoptic Drops, before having surgery.

Betoptic Drops may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring clear vision until the effects subside. Limit alcohol and marijuana use.

Betoptic Drops may mask symptoms of low blood sugar (sweating may be unaffected). Consult your healthcare provider if you have diabetes and use Betoptic Drops.

Betoptic Drops may make it harder to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly and inform your healthcare provider of any changes.

Betoptic Drops should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if betaxolol passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.