Betaxolol

Generic name: betaxolol [ bay-TAX-oh-lol ]
Brand name: Kerlone
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class:Cardioselective beta blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 19, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is betaxolol?

Betaxolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Betaxolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use betaxolol if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use betaxolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have a serious heart condition, such as:

• "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);

• uncontrolled heart failure;

• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or

• if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

To make sure betaxolol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

• angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• psoriasis; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Using betaxolol during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby, or cause heart or lung problems in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using betaxolol.

Betaxolol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Betaxolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take betaxolol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure improves.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Betaxolol may be only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and taking other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

This medicine can cause ...