Betaxolol Ophthalmic

What is betaxolol ophthalmic?

Betaxolol ophthalmic is a topical eye medication used to treat glaucoma. It acts by decreasing the amount of fluid produced within the eye to lower the eye pressure. Betaxolol ophthalmic can also be used in the healthy eye of animals with only one eye affected by glaucoma to prevent glaucoma from occurring in the healthy eye.

Betaxolol ophthalmic is used off label in many species, including dogs, cats, and horses. There are no veterinary brands of betaxolol ophthalmic, but several generic human brands. 

Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet betaxolol ophthalmic?

• Betaxolol ophthalmic comes as a liquid eye drop to be administered on the surface of the eye.
• Follow the instructions on the product label, in conjunction with your veterinarian’s directions.
• Wash your hands before administering this medication.
• Do not allow the dropper to touch any part of your animal’s eye.
• Shake the bottle well before using.
• If you are administering more than one eye medication, wait 5 minutes between each medication.
• If your pet is also prescribed an eye ointment, ask your veterinarian if it is better to use the eye drops or ointment first.
• If you have difficulty applying the medication or your animal does not accept the treatment, ask your veterinarian for tips to help with administering and reducing the stress of medication time.
• If any residue is left on your animal’s face after giving the eye drops, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth or tissue.

This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 hours; however, you will not see the effects of this medication outwardly.

Humans can experience dizziness and headaches while using betaxolol.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose of betaxolol ophthalmic, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. 

Are there any potential side effects from betaxolol ophthalmic?

Betaxolol ophthalmic may cause the following side effects:

• mild stinging, irritation, or redness of the eyes
• dizziness and headaches (not outwardly evident)
• excess tearing
• restlessness

Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving betaxolol ophthalmic and contact your veterinarian immediately:

• labored or noisy breathing or swelling of the throat (indicates a severe allergic reaction to this drug)
• collapse; low energy level
• unusually slow heart rate

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects may be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. 

It is not recommended to stop this medication abruptly.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

This medication should NOT BE USED in pets who:

• are allergic to it or other drugs like it (e.g., timolol).

This medication should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets who: 

• have thyroid conditions, diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
• are pregnant or nursing
• are going to have surgery, including dental surgery

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment. There are no documented drug interactions for betaxolol ophthalmic. 

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Routine testing for animals using betaxolol ophthalmic includes testing intraocular eye pressure.
• Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects. 
• Diabetic patients should be monitored for low blood glucose levels.
• Asthmatic patients should be monitored for respiratory difficulty.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue use of the medication and contact your veterinarian. 

How do I store betaxolol ophthalmic?

• Store in the refrigerator at 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F) or controlled room temperature at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F).
• Store away from moisture and sunlight. 
• Do not freeze.
• Do not use this medication if it changes color, becomes cloudy, or if particles are visible in the solution.
• Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. 

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.