Can You Take Too Much Betaxolol?
Betaxolol hydrochloride (
Betoptic®,
Kerlone®) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as
beta blockers. It is used to
treat high blood pressure (in tablet form) and
glaucoma (in eye drop form). As with most medications, it is possible to take too much betaxolol. The specific effects of a betaxolol overdose can be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
betaxolol dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
Effects of a Betaxolol Overdose
An overdose with betaxolol or other beta blockers may cause the following problems:
It should be noted that such problems are possible with both betaxolol tablets and betaxolol eye drops (a significant amount of medication is absorbed into the bloodstream with the eye drops).
The treatment for a betaxolol overdose will vary. If the overdose was recent (and taken by mouth), a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Dialysis is not useful for removing betaxolol from the blood. Treatment will also involve supportive care, such as:
- Giving medications to control the heart rate
- Giving IV fluids and medications to increase blood pressure
- Giving asthma medications to reverse airway constriction
- Giving IV glucose to reverse low blood sugar.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on this medication.
