Betaxolol eye solution or suspension

What is this medicine?

BETAXOLOL (be TAX oh lol) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in blood sugar

• chest pain

• cold hands or feet

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• irregular heartbeat

• slow heart rate

• swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, stinging, or itching of the eyes or eyelids

• blurred vision

• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide

• diuretics

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart or blood vessel disease

• lung disease like asthma or emphysema

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to betaxolol, other beta blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. You should wait about 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes before putting your lenses back in.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.