betaxolol
| Pronunciation: | bay TAX oh lol |
| Brand: | Kerlone |
Betaxolol 10 mg-ACT
round, white, imprinted with A179
Kerlone 10 mg
round, white, imprinted with KERLONE 10
What is the most important information I should know about betaxolol?
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You should not take this medication if you are allergic to betaxolol or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate, or severe or uncontrolled heart failure or pheochromocytoma. |
Before taking betaxolol, tell your doctor if you have angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, low blood pressure, depression, liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, myasthenia gravis, or problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using betaxolol. You may need to briefly stop using betaxolol before having surgery.
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Do not skip doses or stop taking betaxolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. |
Betaxolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
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 medication for the rest of your life.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betaxolol?
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You should not take this medication if you are allergic to betaxolol or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate, or severe or uncontrolled heart failure or pheochromocytoma. |
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking betaxolol, tell your doctor if you have:
- angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;
- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
- diabetes;
- low blood pressure;
- depression;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a thyroid disorder;
- psoriasis;
- myasthenia gravis; or
- problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether betaxolol is harmful to an unborn baby. Betaxolol may cause heart or lung problems in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Before taking betaxolol, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. |
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Betaxolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I take betaxolol?
Take betaxolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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Take this medication with a full glass of water. |
Take betaxolol at the same time every day.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using betaxolol. You may need to briefly stop using betaxolol before having surgery.
|
Do not skip doses or stop taking betaxolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. |
Betaxolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
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 medication for the rest of your life.
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Store betaxolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. |
Overdose can cause slow or uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking betaxolol?
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Betaxolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. |
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Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking betaxolol. |
What are the possible side effects of betaxolol?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: |
- slow or uneven heartbeats;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- swelling of your ankles or feet;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- depression;
- cold feeling in your hands and feet;
- joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, vomiting, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions); or
- patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight).
Less serious side effects may include:
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- tired feeling; or
- anxiety, nervousness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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