Betoptic Betaxolol Eye Drops Treatment of Glaucoma

By Jack Lemon

 

Betoptic (Betaxolol) : Rx eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma

Betoptic is a medicated eye drop which is counted amongst prescription medication. It has been approved for lowering ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma. The generic name for Betoptic is betaxolol which is a selective beta1 receptor blocker and is used for the treatment of this particular eye disease. Clinical studies done on this drug have proved that taking these eye drops have effectively lowered eye pressure. This eye medication was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in terms of ocular use. It came out in the year 1985 as Betoptic (0.5) solution and Betoptic S (0.25) solution agin in the year 1989.

Betoptic (Betaxolol) is counted amongst a group of prescription drugs known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. These are often known as beta blockers. As medications, these beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. These beta receptors are located in the body at a number of places and these also includes the eyes. The beta blocks work by lowering the pressure in the eyes by reducing the amount of fluid produced by the eyes (aqueous humor) at the same time.

This medication comes in two forms – Betoptic solution and Betoptic S suspension. In terms of the solution, the medicine is dissolved in the liquid where shaking is not required. In case of Betoptic S suspension, the medication is not dissolved and should be shaken very well before each application. Both the products have been approved for the treatment of glaucoma.

Possible side effects of Betoptic (betaxolol)

In case you notice any of these signs while using these eye drops such as allergic reactions, swelling of your tongue, lips, throat, face and difficulty in breathing, you should immediately get emergency help. You should stop using this medication and seek medical advice if you see any of these side effects,

• Slow heart rate
• Oozing, drainage or crusting of your eyes or eyelids
• Symptoms of bronchospasm such as trouble in breathing, tightness of chest and wheezing
• Severe itching, swelling, pain, redness, burning or discomfort in and around the eye area

Also known as eye pressure, glaucoma can be explained as a complex eye disease which is multi-factorial and has typical characteristics such as damage of the optic nerve and loss of the visual field. It is characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Even patients with a normal range of IOP has the threat of developing glaucoma.

 

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