Betaxolol is a beta-blocker that reduces pressure inside the eye.

Betaxolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Betaxolol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to betaxolol, or if you have asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), slow heartbeats, or a heart condition called "AV block."

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema, a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems, a thyroid disorder, or a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Betaxolol ophthalmic is sometimes given together with other eye medications. Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using betaxolol ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.

Betaxolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Betaxolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using betaxolol before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to betaxolol, or if you have:

• asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

• slow heartbeats; or

• a heart condition called "AV block."

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;

• a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;

• diabetes;

• history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether betaxolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether betaxolol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.