What Is Betaxolol Used For?

How Does It Work?

Betaxolol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes, the heart, and blood vessels. Stress hormones (such as adrenaline) bind to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as:

 

By blocking beta receptors, betaxolol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones and reduces blood pressure. It is important to note that betaxolol is more likely to block beta-1 receptors (such as those in the eyes, heart, and blood vessels), opposed to beta-2 receptors (such as those found in the lungs). In theory, this can make the medication safer than other beta blockers for people with breathing problems such as asthma.

 

Betaxolol lowers the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).

 

Betaxolol Use in Children or Teens

Betaxolol tablets and betaxolol solution eye drops are not approved for use in children or teens. However, Betoptic S suspension is approved for children. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using betaxolol in children.

 

Off-Label Betaxolol Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend betaxolol tablets for something other than high blood pressure. Sometimes, oral beta blockers are used off-label for the following uses:

 

There are no universally accepted off-label uses for betaxolol eye drops.