betaxolol (Kerlone, Betoptic)

Introduction

Tradenames: Kerlone, Betoptic.

Indications

• glaucoma
  • open-angle glaucoma
  • secondary glaucoma
  • increased intraocular pressure
• systemic beta-blocker
  • hypertension Cautions:
• bronchial asthma
• sinus bradycardia
• 2nd & 3rd degree AV block
• heart failure

Dosage

• ophthalmic: 1 drop OU BID
• systemic:
  • start 10 mg PO QD
  • may iincrease to 20 mg/day

Solution: 0.25%, 0.5%.

Tabs: 10 & 20 mg.

Adverse effects

• ocular
  • ocular stinging, photophobia, keratitis, tearing, erythema, itching, decreased corneal sensitivity
• systemic effects
  • not common (1-10%)
    • bradycardia, palpitations, edema, congestive heart failure, cold extremities, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, headache
  • uncommon (< 1%)
    • nervousness, depression, chest pain, thrombocytopenia, hallucinations

• drug adverse effects of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists
• drug adverse effects of beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists
• drug adverse effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAAS inhibitors)
• drug adverse effects of antihypertensive agents

Mechanism of action

• beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist; little effect on beta-2 adrenergic receptors
• reduces production of aqueous humor
• no effect on accomodation or pupillary size
• intraocular pressure diminishes by 20-35%

More general terms

• beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist (beta-1 blocker)

More specific terms

• levobetaxolol (Betaxon)

Component of

• betaxolol/pilocarpine

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=2369
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=60657
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=107952
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=657296