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Compare Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Latanoprost (Xalatan) and betaxolol (Betoptic-S) are both eye drops used to lower eye pressure in conditions like ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin that helps fluid drain from the eye, while betaxolol is a beta blocker that reduces the amount of fluid produced in the eye. Latanoprost is typically used once daily in the evening, whereas betaxolol is used twice a day. Latanoprost can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, while betaxolol may cause temporary eye discomfort and is not recommended for people with certain heart or lung conditions. Both medications have a generic form available, making them more affordable. Both medications require careful handling to avoid contamination and should be used as prescribed to effectively manage eye pressure.

  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)
  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

  • Summary of Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Summary for Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an eye drop medication. It's used in adults to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma. It works as a prostaglandin to help with high eye pressure. The typical dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once each night. Side effects include feeling like there's something in the eye, burning, and stinging. Unopened bottles need to be refrigerated. But once opened, you keep the medication at room temperature. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Indications for
    •Lowering pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye)
    Indications 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)

  • Pros and Cons of Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Pros and Const for Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for lowering the pressure in the eye
    •Only used once a day
    Cons
    •Can permanently change the color of your eye
    •Need to take out any soft contact lenses before using
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling like there's something inside the eye (13%)
    •Stinging (9%)
    •Eye redness (8%)
    •Blurry vision (8%)
    •Itchy eye (8%)
    •Burning (7%)
    •Changes in eye color (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary discomfort in the eye (burning or stinging) after using
    •Watery eye

  • Warnings of Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Common Side Effects for
    •Darker eyes or eyelids
    •Eyelash changes
    •Eye inflammation
    •Swelling of the retina (macular edema)
    •Caution use in people with a history of a herpes eye infection
    •Risk of bacterial eye infection when using contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing soft contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    •Not recommended for people with breathing problems
    •Caution use in people who've had heart problems like heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Xalatan vs. Betoptic-S

    Learn more about Latanoprost
    Learn more about Betaxolol

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