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Betaxolol Coupon - Betaxolol 5ml of 0.5% eye dropper

betaxolol

Generic Betoptic-S
Used for Hypertension, Glaucoma, Eye Pressure
Used for Hypertension, Glaucoma, Eye Pressure

Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) is an eye drop medication. It helps lower pressure within the eye and treats glaucoma in adults. This eye drop is a beta blocker that works by lessening the amount of fluid in the eye. The Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops are typically used twice a day. Side effects aren't common but can include temporary eye discomfort and watery eyes. Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) can be used by itself or together with other pressure-lowering eye drops.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 12, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)?

What is Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) used for?

  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high blood pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

How Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) works

Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) is an eye drop that belongs to a drug class called beta blocker. It helps lessen the amount of fluid that's made in the eye. When there's less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

Are you looking for information on betaxolol tablets instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBetoptic-S
Drug ClassBeta blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Temporary discomfort in the eye (burning or stinging) after using
  • Watery eye

Other Side Effects

  • Itchy eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Crusty lashes
  • Red eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Other changes in vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Trouble breathing: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
  • Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain or discomfort

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

shortness of breath

slow or irregular heartbeat

unusual tiredness

Less common

Cold arms, legs, hands, or feet

difficult or labored breathing

fast, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tightness in the chest

wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

convulsions (seizures)

cool, pale skin

decreased urine output

depression

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

extreme fatigue

headache

increased hunger

irregular breathing

loss of consciousness

nervousness

nightmares

noisy breathing

shakiness

slurred speech

sweating

troubled breathing

weight gain

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Joint pain

nausea

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

body aches or pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

congestion

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

diarrhea

difficulty in moving

dryness or soreness of throat

fever

heartburn

hoarseness

inability to have or keep an erection

indigestion

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

muscle pain or stiffness

rash

runny nose

sleeplessness

sneezing

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

stuffy nose

tender, swollen glands in neck

trouble in swallowing

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

unusual or strange dreams

voice changes

Rare

Discouragement

feeling sad or empty

irritability

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

tiredness

trouble concentrating

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well at lowering eye pressure

Can use with other eye drops if it's not working well enough on its own

Side effects aren't common, except for temporary discomfort in the eye right after using the eye drops

Lower-cost generic available for the solution version

thumbs-down

Cons

Must use twice a day

Might not be the best choice if you have asthma or other lung conditions

Not recommended if you have heart problems like heart failure, heart block, or long-lasting low heart rate

Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

pharmacist

  • If you have the suspension version of betaxolol (Betoptic-S), shake the bottle well before you use the eye drops. You don't need to shake the solution version beforehand.

    • Wash your hands before you put betaxolol (Betoptic-S) in your eyes. Don't let the dropper tip touch the surface of your eye, and don't touch the dropper tip with your hands. This helps keep the tip clean, prevent germs from getting into the medication, and avoid eye infections.

      • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before each time you use the betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops. Then, wait 15 minutes after you use betaxolol (Betoptic-S) to put your contacts back in your eye. The medication has a preservative in it that can damage contact lenses.

        • After you place a drop of betaxolol (Betoptic-S) in the eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose. Press lightly for 1 minute. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop of medication.

          • If you're using more than one drop of betaxolol (Betoptic-S) or more than one eye drop medication at the same time, wait 5 minutes between each drop.

            • Your vision might be blurry for a short period of time after you place betaxolol (Betoptic-S) drops in your eye. Be careful driving until your vision clears up.

              • Tell your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have any damage or injury to your eye or if you develop an eye infection. Your eye specialist might tell you to stop using betaxolol (Betoptic-S) until your eye gets better. They might recommend that you use a new bottle of medication if you have an eye infection just in case the bottle you're currently using got contaminated.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

                How quickly will betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops work?
                Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) usually starts to lower eye pressure within 30 minutes, but the maximum effect can take up to 2 hours after your dose. For some people, it can take a few weeks for the pressure-lowering effects of the medication to be consistent.
                How long do betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops last?
                The pressure-lowering effects in the eye from betaxolol (Betoptic-S) last for about 12 hours after each dose. This is why it's usually recommended to use this medication twice a day.
                What are some common side effects of betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops?
                It's common to have temporary discomfort in the eye after you use betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops. Some people might also have watery eyes. Speak with your optometrist or ophthalmologist if these side effects bother you.
                Can I use other eye drops after I put in betaxolol (Betoptic-S)?
                Yes, you can use other eye drops after you use betaxolol (Betoptic-S). It's best to wait at least 5 minutes after placing an eye drop into your eye before you use another eye drop. This gives each medication time to get absorbed into the eye without getting washed out right away.
                Does betaxolol (Betoptic-S) have sulfites?
                Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) doesn't appear to contain sulfites. To be safe, check the list of ingredients on the box of your eye drop bottle to see whether it contains a sulfite. Some other eye drops contain sulfites as a preservative to prevent bacteria from growing in the medication. Ask a healthcare professional for help if you aren't sure.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)?

                Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar

                • Risk factors: Diabetes

                  Beta blockers can cause people with diabetes (high blood sugar) to not notice symptoms of low blood sugar, except for sweating and dizziness. Very small amounts of betaxolol (Betoptic-S) might get absorbed into your bloodstream, so this isn't common with beta blocker eye drops. Talk to your primary care provider to see whether you should check your blood sugar more often if you have diabetes and you're using betaxolol (Betoptic-S).

                  risk-warning

                  Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid

                  Beta blockers can cause people with an overactive thyroid to not recognize the signs of hyperthyroidism, such as a fast heart rate. It's possible for some betaxolol (Betoptic-S) to get absorbed into your bloodstream and cause this effect. Make sure your optometrist or ophthalmologist knows whether you have thyroid problems before you start treatment with betaxolol (Betoptic-S).

                  risk-warning

                  Worsening of myasthenia gravis

                  It's possible for beta blockers like betaxolol (Betoptic-S) to worsen symptoms like muscle weakness in people who have myasthenia gravis. Watch out for worsening symptoms if you have myasthenia gravis and let your care team know if this happens to you.

                  risk-warning

                  Not recommended for people with breathing problems

                  • Risk factors: History of asthma | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | History of other lung conditions

                    Beta blocker medications like betaxolol (Betoptic-S) are usually not recommended for people with lung conditions, like asthma and COPD. Beta blockers can cause trouble breathing by making the airways to become narrower. Make sure your healthcare team knows if you have or have ever had any lung problems or conditions before you start using betaxolol (Betoptic-S) to check whether it's safe for you.

                    risk-warning

                    Caution use in people who've had heart problems like heart failure

                    • Risk factors: History of congestive heart failure | History of heart block

                      It's possible for betaxolol (Betoptic-S) to have a small effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Tell your care team about your medical history, especially if you've had heart failure or heart block. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure can affect these heart conditions. Talk to your primary care provider if you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, a fast or irregular pulse, or shortness of breath when you lie down or exercise. These might be signs of heart problems.

                      dosage

                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.5% of Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) is $21.26 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.52% off the average retail price of $74.65.
                      eye dropper
                      Eye dropper
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      5ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$21.26$21.26
                      10ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$38.02$38.02
                      15ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$54.78$54.78

                      Typical dosing for Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) and other drugs

                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Betaxolol (Betoptic-S). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) cost?

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                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) (generic)
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                      contraindications-icon

                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Betaxolol (Betoptic-S). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)
                      Used for:

                      • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high blood pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                      $21.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Timolol
                      Used for:

                      • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                      $6.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol)
                      Used for:
                      $16.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) images

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Ahn, J., et al. (2021). Binding affinity of benzalkonium chloride on contact lens surfaces and the effects on their physical properties. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

                      Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2021). Betoptic S - betaxolol hydrochloride suspension/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2024). Sulfite and sulfa drugs.

                      View All References (10)

                      American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Ocular hypertension.

                      Hafeez, Y., et al. (2023). Sinus bradycardia. StatPearls.

                      Morales, D. R., et al. (2016). Respiratory effect of beta-blocker eye drops in asthma: population-based study and meta-analysis of clinical trials. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                      National Eye Institute. (2021). How to put in eye drops.

                      National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?

                      Ponikowski, P., et al. (2019). Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring in heart failure. European Heart Journal Supplements.

                      SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

                      Sandoz Inc. (2023). Betaxolol hydrochloride solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Sidjanin, D. J., et al. (2008). Pharmacogenetics of ophthalmic topical beta-blockers. Personalized Medicine.

                      Vally, H., et al. (2012). Adverse reactions to the sulphite additives. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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