Betaxolol

Betaxolol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Betaxolol is a brand name. Its generic name is Betaxolol.

Betaxolol

Betaxolol is a medication in the class of cardio-selective beta-blockers used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, tachyarrhythmias, and glaucoma. Used orally and topically, Betaxolol is a drug widely prescribed to treat certain heart conditions.

Uses For

Betaxolol is primarily used in the treatment of hypertension by blocking the beta receptors in the body. Additionally, Betaxolol is also used to treat arrhythmias, angina, and glaucoma. By decreasing the heart rate and cardiac contractility, it helps to reduce blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.

Mechanism of Action

Betaxolol works by decreasing the number of beta receptors in the body, thus reducing the activity of the heart, resulting in a slower heart rate. Betaxolol also inhibits the hormone adrenaline from binding to these beta receptors, further reducing the activity of the heart.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The effects of Betaxolol start to take effect within 20 minutes of administration and should reach peak effect within an hour after ingestion.

Absorption

Betaxolol is rapidly absorbed after the oral administration. Its bioavailability is more than 90%.

Route of Elimination

Betaxolol is eliminated primarily in the urine.

Dosage

For hypertension, the initial dose is 5mg two times a day. The dosage may be increased up to 40mg two times a day, depending on the patient’s response. For arrhythmias, the initial dose is 5mg two times a day. The dosage may be increased up to 20mg two times a day, depending on the patient’s response. For glaucoma, the initial dose is 2.5mg two times a day. The dosage may be increased up to 20mg two times a day, depending on the patient’s response.

Administration

Betaxolol can be taken orally or administered as an ophthalmic solution.

Side Effect

The most common side effects associated with Betaxolol include dizziness, headaches, lethargy, nausea, and cold hands and feet.

Toxicity

Betaxolol is generally well tolerated. Overdose of Betaxolol can cause undesired bradycardia, hypotension, and congestive heart failure.

Precaution

Patients should inform the health care provider of any pre-existing conditions before taking Betaxolol, such as diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. Chronic use of Betaxolol can lead to drug tolerance, so it should be used with caution. Betaxolol can also interact with other medications, so patients should ensure to inform the health care provider of all medications they are taking before taking Betaxolol.

Interaction

Patients should inform the health care provider of all medications they are taking before taking Betaxolol. Betaxolol may interact with certain medications and supplements to produce undesired effects. Patients with any pre-existing conditions should inform the health care provider of any medications they may be taking.

Disease Interaction

Due to its effect on the heart, there is a risk of adverse reactions in patients with underlying heart diseases while taking Betaxolol. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease should exercise caution while taking Betaxolol as it can increase the risks associated with the condition.

Drug Interaction

Betaxolol may interact with certain medications like calcium-channel blockers, vasodilators, clonidine, and other beta-blockers. Betaxolol can also interact with certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo biloba, and other products.

Food Interactions

Betaxolol should not be taken with food. Food can reduce the absorption of Betaxolol and may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Pregnancy Use

The safety of Betaxolol during pregnancy has not been established. It is advised that pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before taking Betaxolol.

Lactation Use

It is not recommended to take Betaxolol while breastfeeding as it can pass into the breast milk and affect the baby.

Acute Overdose

Overdose of Betaxolol can lead to unwanted symptoms such as bradycardia, hypotension, and congestive heart failure. In case of an overdose, the patient should seek immediate medical attention.

Contraindication

Betaxolol is contraindicated in patients with severe bradycardia, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, and bronchial asthma.

Use Direction

Betaxolol should be taken as directed by the health care provider. It should be taken with or without food, depending on the prescriber's instructions. The administration of Betaxolol may be modified according to the patient's response, and the dosage should not be altered without consulting with the healthcare provider.

storage Condition

Betaxolol should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

Betaxolol has a wide distribution in the body. It is rapidly absorbed after the oral administration with more than 90% bioavailability.

Half Life

The half-life of Betaxolol is approximately 4-9 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Betaxolol is 500-1,280 mL/min.

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