Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Severe impairment: Initial dose: 5 mg once daily; may increase every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily
Hemodialysis: Initial dose: 5 mg once daily; may increase every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily. Supplemental dose not required.
Dosage adjustments are not routinely required.
Refer to adult dosing.
Hypertension: Oral: Initial: 5 mg once daily
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (6% to 8%; symptomatic bradycardia: ≤2%), cold extremity (2%), edema (1%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (2%), dyspepsia (4% to 5%), nausea (2% to 6%)
Genitourinary: Erectile dysfunction (1%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Positive ANA titer (5%)
Nervous system: Abnormal dreams (1%), fatigue (3% to 10%), insomnia (1% to 5%), lethargy (3%), paresthesia (2%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (3% to 5%), musculoskeletal chest pain (2% to 7%)
Respiratory: Dyspnea (2%), pharyngitis (2%), rhinitis (1%)
<1%: Nervous system: Depression, nervousness
Frequency not defined: Nervous system: Dizziness, headache
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, atrioventricular block, cardiac arrhythmia, flushing, heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, intermittent claudication, peripheral ischemia, syncope, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis
Dermatologic: Alopecia, diaphoresis, eczema, erythematous rash, hypertrichosis, pruritus
Endocrine & metabolic: Acidosis, decreased libido, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased thirst, menstrual disease, weight gain, weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Ageusia, anorexia, constipation, dysgeusia, dysphagia, increased appetite, oral mucosa ulcer, rectal disease, salivation, vomiting, xerostomia
Genitourinary: Altered micturition, breast fibroadenosis, cystitis, dysuria, mastalgia, oliguria, Peyronie disease, prostatitis, proteinuria
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia, leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, purpuric disease, thrombocytopenia
Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction
Infection: Influenza
Nervous system: Amnesia, ataxia, cerebrovascular disease, changes in thinking, confusion, emotional lability, hallucination, lack of concentration, malaise, neuralgia, neuropathy, numbness, pain, rigors, speech disturbance, stupor, tremor, twitching
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthropathy, lower limb cramp, muscle cramps, neck pain, tendinopathy
Ophthalmic: Abnormal lacrimation, blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, iritis, scotoma, subconjunctival hemorrhage, visual disturbance
Otic: Deafness, labyrinth disease, otalgia, tinnitus
Renal: Kidney impairment, renal pain
Respiratory: Bronchitis, bronchospasm, cough, epistaxis, pneumonia, sinusitis
Miscellaneous: Fever
Hypersensitivity to betaxolol or any component of the formulation; sinus bradycardia; heart block greater than first-degree (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker); cardiogenic shock; uncompensated cardiac failure
Concerns related to adverse events:
• Anaphylactic reactions: Use caution with history of severe anaphylaxis to allergens; patients taking beta-blockers may become more sensitive to repeated challenges. Treatment of anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine) in patients taking beta-blockers may be ineffective or promote undesirable effects.
Disease-related concerns:
• Bronchospastic disease: In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not receive beta-blockers; however, betaxolol, with B1 selectivity, may be used cautiously with the lowest possible dose (eg, 5 to 10 mg/day), availability of a bronchodilator, and close monitoring; if a dosage increase is indicated, administer in divided doses.
• Cerebrovascular insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency; hypotension and decreased heart rate may reduce cerebral blood flow.
• Conduction abnormality: Consider preexisting conditions such as sick sinus syndrome before initiating therapy.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may potentiate and/or mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Heart failure (HF): Use with caution in patients with compensated heart failure and monitor for a worsening of the condition. There is limited data evaluating the efficacy of betaxolol in HF; use is not recommended (AHA/ACC/HFSA [Heidenreich 2022]; Figulla HR 2006).
• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; may potentiate myasthenia-related muscle weakness, including diplopia and ptosis.
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Raynaud disease: May precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with PVD and Raynaud disease. Use with caution and monitor for progression of arterial obstruction.
• Pheochromocytoma (untreated): Adequate alpha-blockade is required prior to use of any beta-blocker.
• Psoriasis: Beta-blocker use has been associated with induction or exacerbation of psoriasis but cause and effect has not been firmly established.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment required in severe impairment and in patients on dialysis.
• Thyroid disease: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia). If hyperthyroidism is suspected, carefully manage and monitor; abrupt withdrawal may precipitate thyroid storm.
• Vasospastic angina: Beta-blockers without alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocking activity should be avoided in patients with vasospastic angina since unopposed alpha1-adrenergic receptors mediate coronary vasoconstriction and can worsen anginal symptoms (Mayer 1998).
Special populations:
• Older adult: Bradycardia may be observed more frequently in elderly patients (>65 years of age); dosage reductions may be necessary.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abrupt withdrawal: Beta-blocker therapy should not be withdrawn abruptly (particularly in patients with CAD), but gradually tapered to avoid acute tachycardia, hypertension, ischemia, and/or angina exacerbation. Severe exacerbation of angina, ventricular arrhythmias, and MI have been reported following abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Temporary but prompt resumption of beta-blocker therapy may be indicated with worsening of angina or acute coronary insufficiency.
• Major surgery: Chronic beta-blocker therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg
Yes
Tablets (Betaxolol HCl Oral)
10 mg (per each): $1.23 - $1.28
20 mg (per each): $1.86 - $2.67
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Oral: Absorption is not affected by food.
Hypertension: Management of hypertension. Note: Beta-blockers are not recommended as first-line therapy (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]).
Betaxolol may be confused with bethanechol, labetalol
Substrate of CYP1A2 (minor), CYP2D6 (minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha2-Agonists: May enhance the AV-blocking effect of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Beta-Blockers may enhance the rebound hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amiodarone: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Possibly to the point of cardiac arrest. Amiodarone may increase the serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amphetamines: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antidiabetic Agents: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease the metabolism of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines) may decrease the metabolism of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Arginine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benperidol: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Beta2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Of particular concern with nonselective beta-blockers or higher doses of the beta1 selective beta-blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May enhance the bradycardic effect of other Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brigatinib: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may enhance the bradycardic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May diminish the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Cannabis: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cannabis. Specifically, the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ceritinib: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ceritinib. Management: If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for evidence of symptomatic bradycardia, and closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cholinergic Agonists: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cholinergic Agonists. Of particular concern are the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities and bronchoconstriction. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dexmethylphenidate: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dipyridamole: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Disopyramide: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Disopyramide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DOBUTamine: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of DOBUTamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dronedarone: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Dronedarone may increase the serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. This likely applies only to those agents that are metabolized by CYP2D6. Management: Use lower initial beta-blocker doses; adequate tolerance of the combination, based on ECG findings, should be confirmed prior to any increase in beta-blocker dose. Increase monitoring for clinical response and adverse effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPHEDrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPHEDrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Nasal): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): Beta-Blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Etilefrine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Etilefrine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Etofylline: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Etofylline. Risk X: Avoid combination
Etrasimod: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fexinidazole: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid combination
Fingolimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Fingolimod. Management: Consult with the prescriber of any bradycardia-causing agent to see if the agent could be switched to an agent that does not cause bradycardia prior to initiating fingolimod. If combined, perform continuous ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Flunarizine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract): Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract). More specifically, Beta-Blockers may inhibit the ability to effectively treat severe allergic reactions to Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract) with epinephrine. Some other effects of epinephrine may be unaffected or even enhanced (e.g., vasoconstriction) during treatment with Beta-Blockers. Management: Consider alternatives to either grass pollen allergen extract (5 grass extract) or beta-blockers in patients with indications for both agents. Canadian product labeling specifically lists this combination as contraindicated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Iloperidone: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Indoramin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Isocarboxazid: May enhance the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Isoproterenol: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the AV-blocking effect of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loop Diuretics: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lormetazepam: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mavacamten: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mavacamten. Specifically, negative inotropic effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methacholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methacholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methoxyflurane: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methylphenidate: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Midodrine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mivacurium: Beta-Blockers may enhance the therapeutic effect of Mivacurium. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Naftopidil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicergoline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
NIFEdipine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitrendipine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ozanimod: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Reserpine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Reserpine may enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rivastigmine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk X: Avoid combination
Silodosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Succinylcholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the neuromuscular-blocking effect of Succinylcholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tasimelteon: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Tasimelteon. Management: Consider avoiding nighttime administration of beta-blockers during tasimelteon therapy due to the potential for reduced tasimelteon efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tofacitinib: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
White Birch Allergen Extract: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of White Birch Allergen Extract. Specifically, beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta-agonists that may be required to treat systemic reactions to white birch allergen extract. Risk X: Avoid combination
Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be used in patients trying to conceive. Betaxolol is not considered a preferred agent for use in pregnant patients; consider transitioning to a preferred agent in patients planning to become pregnant (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019; NICE 2019).
Impotence is noted in product labeling following use of betaxolol. As a class, outcomes from available studies evaluating beta-blockers and sexual dysfunction are inconsistent, and the negative effects on erectile function are considered controversial. A clear relationship between use of beta-blockers and erectile dysfunction has not been established. Hypertension itself is associated with erectile dysfunction. Patients on a beta-blocker presenting with sexual dysfunction should be evaluated for underlying disease (Farmakis 2022; Levine 2012; Semet 2017; Terentes-Printzios 2022; Viigimaa 2020).
Betaxolol crosses the placenta (Morselli 1990).
Following maternal use of betaxolol, the beta-blocker effects may persist in the neonate for several days after birth. The risk of cardiac and pulmonary complications is increased in the neonate. Bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress have been reported and monitoring of the neonate for 3 to 5 days after birth is recommended.
Chronic maternal hypertension is also associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).
Based on available data, pregnancy-induced physiologic changes do not alter the pharmacokinetic properties of betaxolol. The maternal half-life and serum concentration of betaxolol immediately postpartum are not significantly different than what is observed in nonpregnant patients (Boutroy 1990; Morselli 1990).
Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment of hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, agents other than betaxolol may be preferred (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018], SOGC [Magee 2022]).
Betaxolol is present in breast milk.
Data related to the presence of betaxolol in breast milk are available from 3 mothers who were part of a larger pharmacokinetic study of betaxolol during pregnancy. In the first case, betaxolol 10 mg was administered as a single dose 3 hours prior to delivery; breast milk concentrations ranged from 48 ng/mL at 24 hours to 3 ng/mL 72 hours postpartum. In the second case, the mother had received 2 doses of betaxolol 10 mg (last dose 26 prior to delivery); breast milk concentrations were 7.8 ng/mL and 4.2 ng/mL, 24 and 48 hours postpartum, respectively. The third mother also received 2 doses of betaxolol 10 mg (last dose 25 hours prior to delivery); breast milk concentrations were 8.8 ng/mL 48 hours postpartum and 7 ng/mL postpartum (Morselli 1990). According to the manufacturer, betaxolol may be present in amounts that could have a pharmacologic effect in the breastfeeding infant.
The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering betaxolol to breastfeeding patients. Use of a beta-blocker other than betaxolol may be preferred in lactating patients (ESC [Cífková 2020]).
Blood pressure, heart rate; kidney function; signs and symptoms of bronchospasm in patients with existing bronchospastic disease; serum glucose (in patients with diabetes).
Blood pressure goal: May vary depending on clinical conditions, different clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion. Refer to "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for specific treatment goals.
Competitively blocks beta1-receptors, with little or no effect on beta2-receptors
Onset of action: 1 to 1.5 hours
Absorption: ~100%
Metabolism: Hepatic to multiple metabolites
Protein binding: ~50%
Bioavailability: 89%
Half-life elimination: 14 to 22 hours; prolonged in hepatic disease and/or chronic renal failure. In patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis, the half-life and AUC are approximately doubled.
Time to peak: 1.5 to 6 hours
Excretion: Urine (>80%, as unchanged drug [15%] and inactive metabolites)
Older adult: Elimination may be decreased.
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