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Action/Kinetics:
Inhibits beta-1-adrenergic receptors although beta-2 receptors will be inhibited at high doses. Has some membrane stabilizing activity but no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Low lipid solubility. Reduces the production of aqueous humor, thus, reducing intraocular pressure. No effect on pupil size or accommodation.
t
1/2: 14-22 hr. Metabolized in the liver with most excreted through the urine; about 15% is excreted unchanged.
Uses:
PO: Hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensive agents (especially diuretics).
Ophthalmic: Ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma (used alone or in combination with other antiglaucoma drugs).
Special Concerns:
Use with caution during lactation. Safety and effectiveness have not been determined in children. Geriatric clients are at greater risk of developing bradycardia.
How Supplied:
Ophthalmic Solution: 0.5%;
Ophthalmic Suspension: 0.25%;
Tablet: 10 mg, 20 mg
Dosage
?Tablets
Hypertension.
Initial: 10 mg once daily either alone or with a diuretic. If the desired effect is not reached, the dose can be increased to 20 mg although doses higher than 20 mg will not increase the therapeutic effect. In geriatric clients the initial dose should be 5 mg/day.
?Ophthalmic Solution, Suspension
Ocular hypertension; chronic open-angle glaucoma.
Adults, usual: 1-2 gtt b.i.d. If used to replace another drug, continue the drug being used and add 1 gtt of betaxolol b.i.d. The previous drug should be discontinued the following day. If transferring from several antiglaucoma drugs being used together, adjust one drug at a time at intervals of not less than 1 week. The agents being used can be continued and add 1 gtt betaxolol b.i.d. The next day another agent should be discontinued. The remaining antiglaucoma drug dosage can be decreased or discontinued depending on the response of the client.
