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Betaxolol (systemic): Drug information

Betaxolol (systemic): Drug information
2025© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All Rights Reserved.
For additional information see "Betaxolol (systemic): Patient drug information"

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions show table
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antihypertensive;
  • Beta-Blocker, Beta-1 Selective
Dosing: Adult
Hypertension

Hypertension (alternative agent):

Note : Not recommended in the absence of specific comorbidities (eg, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia) (Ref).

Oral: Initial: 5 to 10 mg once daily; titrate as needed after 7 to 14 days based on patient response up to 20 mg once daily (Ref).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

Severe impairment: Initial dose: 5 mg once daily; may increase every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily

Hemodialysis: Initial dose: 5 mg once daily; may increase every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 20 mg once daily. Supplemental dose not required.

Dosing: Liver Impairment: Adult

Dosage adjustments are not routinely required.

Dosing: Older Adult

Refer to adult dosing.

Hypertension: Oral: Initial: 5 mg once daily

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (6% to 8%; symptomatic bradycardia: ≤2%), cold extremity (2%), edema (1%)

Dermatologic: Skin rash (1%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (2%), dyspepsia (4% to 5%), nausea (2% to 6%)

Genitourinary: Erectile dysfunction (1%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Positive ANA titer (5%)

Nervous system: Abnormal dreams (1%), fatigue (3% to 10%), insomnia (1% to 5%), lethargy (3%), paresthesia (2%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (3% to 5%), musculoskeletal chest pain (2% to 7%)

Respiratory: Dyspnea (2%), pharyngitis (2%), rhinitis (1%)

<1%: Nervous system: Depression, nervousness

Frequency not defined: Nervous system: Dizziness, headache

Postmarketing:

Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, atrioventricular block, cardiac arrhythmia, flushing, heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, intermittent claudication, peripheral ischemia, syncope, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis

Dermatologic: Alopecia, diaphoresis, eczema, erythematous rash, hypertrichosis, pruritus

Endocrine & metabolic: Acidosis, decreased libido, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased thirst, menstrual disease, weight gain, weight loss

Gastrointestinal: Ageusia, anorexia, constipation, dysgeusia, dysphagia, increased appetite, oral mucosa ulcer, rectal disease, salivation, vomiting, xerostomia

Genitourinary: Altered micturition, breast fibroadenosis, cystitis, dysuria, mastalgia, oliguria, Peyronie disease, prostatitis, proteinuria

Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia, leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, purpuric disease, thrombocytopenia

Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction

Infection: Influenza

Nervous system: Amnesia, ataxia, cerebrovascular disease, changes in thinking, confusion, emotional lability, hallucination, lack of concentration, malaise, neuralgia, neuropathy, numbness, pain, rigors, speech disturbance, stupor, tremor, twitching

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthropathy, lower limb cramp, muscle cramps, neck pain, tendinopathy

Ophthalmic: Abnormal lacrimation, blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, iritis, scotoma, subconjunctival hemorrhage, visual disturbance

Otic: Deafness, labyrinth disease, otalgia, tinnitus

Renal: Kidney impairment, renal pain

Respiratory: Bronchitis, bronchospasm, cough, epistaxis, pneumonia, sinusitis

Miscellaneous: Fever

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to betaxolol or any component of the formulation; sinus bradycardia; heart block greater than first-degree (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker); cardiogenic shock; uncompensated cardiac failure

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse events:

• Anaphylactic reactions: Use caution with history of severe anaphylaxis to allergens; patients taking beta-blockers may become more sensitive to repeated challenges. Treatment of anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine) in patients taking beta-blockers may be ineffective or promote undesirable effects.

Disease-related concerns:

• Bronchospastic disease: In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not receive beta-blockers; however, betaxolol, with B1 selectivity, may be used cautiously with the lowest possible dose (eg, 5 to 10 mg/day), availability of a bronchodilator, and close monitoring; if a dosage increase is indicated, administer in divided doses.

• Cerebrovascular insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency; hypotension and decreased heart rate may reduce cerebral blood flow.

• Conduction abnormality: Consider preexisting conditions such as sick sinus syndrome before initiating therapy.

• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may potentiate and/or mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

• Heart failure (HF): Use with caution in patients with compensated heart failure and monitor for a worsening of the condition. There is limited data evaluating the efficacy of betaxolol in HF; use is not recommended (AHA/ACC/HFSA [Heidenreich 2022]; Figulla HR 2006).

• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; may potentiate myasthenia-related muscle weakness, including diplopia and ptosis.

• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Raynaud disease: May precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with PVD and Raynaud disease. Use with caution and monitor for progression of arterial obstruction.

• Pheochromocytoma (untreated): Adequate alpha-blockade is required prior to use of any beta-blocker.

• Psoriasis: Beta-blocker use has been associated with induction or exacerbation of psoriasis but cause and effect has not been firmly established.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dosage adjustment required in severe impairment and in patients on dialysis.

• Thyroid disease: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia). If hyperthyroidism is suspected, carefully manage and monitor; abrupt withdrawal may precipitate thyroid storm.

• Vasospastic angina: Beta-blockers without alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocking activity should be avoided in patients with vasospastic angina since unopposed alpha1-adrenergic receptors mediate coronary vasoconstriction and can worsen anginal symptoms (Mayer 1998).

Special populations:

• Older adult: Bradycardia may be observed more frequently in elderly patients (>65 years of age); dosage reductions may be necessary.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Abrupt withdrawal: Beta-blocker therapy should not be withdrawn abruptly (particularly in patients with CAD), but gradually tapered to avoid acute tachycardia, hypertension, ischemia, and/or angina exacerbation. Severe exacerbation of angina, ventricular arrhythmias, and MI have been reported following abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Temporary but prompt resumption of beta-blocker therapy may be indicated with worsening of angina or acute coronary insufficiency.

• Major surgery: Chronic beta-blocker therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery.

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Pricing: US

Tablets (Betaxolol HCl Oral)

10 mg (per each): $1.23 - $1.28

20 mg (per each): $1.86 - $2.67

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Administration: Adult

Oral: Absorption is not affected by food.

Use: Labeled Indications

Hypertension: Management of hypertension. Note: Beta-blockers are not recommended as first-line therapy (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]).

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Betaxolol may be confused with bethanechol, labetalol

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP1A2 (Minor), CYP2D6 (Minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Alfuzosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Alpha2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers may increase rebound hypertensive effects of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Alpha2-Agonists may increase AV-blocking effects of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amiodarone: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Possibly to the point of cardiac arrest. Amiodarone may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Amphetamines: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Antidiabetic Agents: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may increase adverse/toxic effects of Antidiabetic Agents. Specifically, beta-blockers may mask the hypoglycemic symptoms of antidiabetic agents. Risk C: Monitor

Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease metabolism of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines) may decrease metabolism of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor

Arginine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Barbiturates: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Benperidol: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Beta2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may decrease bronchodilatory effects of Beta2-Agonists. Of particular concern with nonselective beta-blockers or higher doses of the beta1 selective beta-blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brigatinib: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may increase bradycardic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brimonidine (Topical): May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Bromperidol: May decrease hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid

Cafedrine: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Cafedrine. Risk C: Monitor

Cannabis: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Cannabis. Specifically, the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor

Ceritinib: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ceritinib. Management: If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for evidence of symptomatic bradycardia, and closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Cholinergic Agonists: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Cholinergic Agonists. Of particular concern are the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities and bronchoconstriction. Risk C: Monitor

Dexmethylphenidate: May decrease therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Diazoxide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Dipyridamole: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Disopyramide: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may increase negative inotropic effects of Disopyramide. Risk C: Monitor

DOBUTamine: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of DOBUTamine. Risk C: Monitor

Dronedarone: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Dronedarone may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. This likely applies only to those agents that are metabolized by CYP2D6. Management: Use lower initial beta-blocker doses; adequate tolerance of the combination, based on ECG findings, should be confirmed prior to any increase in beta-blocker dose. Increase monitoring for clinical response and adverse effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor

EPHEDrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of EPHEDrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Nasal): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may decrease therapeutic effects of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may decrease therapeutic effects of EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation). Risk C: Monitor

EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may decrease therapeutic effects of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor

Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): Beta-Blockers may increase vasoconstricting effects of Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates). Risk C: Monitor

Etilefrine: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Etilefrine. Etilefrine may increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Etofylline: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Etofylline. Risk X: Avoid

Etrasimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Fexinidazole: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase arrhythmogenic effects of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid

Fingolimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Fingolimod. Management: Consult with the prescriber of any bradycardia-causing agent to see if the agent could be switched to an agent that does not cause bradycardia prior to initiating fingolimod. If combined, perform continuous ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Flunarizine: May increase therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract): Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract). More specifically, Beta-Blockers may inhibit the ability to effectively treat severe allergic reactions to Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract) with epinephrine. Some other effects of epinephrine may be unaffected or even enhanced (e.g., vasoconstriction) during treatment with Beta-Blockers. Management: Consider alternatives to either grass pollen allergen extract (5 grass extract) or beta-blockers in patients with indications for both agents. Canadian product labeling specifically lists this combination as contraindicated. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Iloperidone: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Indoramin: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Isocarboxazid: May increase antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid

Isoproterenol: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor

Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor

Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase AV-blocking effects of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor

Landiolol: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Landiolol. Risk X: Avoid

Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor

Loop Diuretics: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Lormetazepam: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Mavacamten: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Mavacamten. Specifically, negative inotropic effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor

Metergoline: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase orthostatic hypotensive effects of Metergoline. Risk C: Monitor

Methacholine: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Methacholine. Risk C: Monitor

Methylphenidate: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Midodrine: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Mivacurium: Beta-Blockers may increase therapeutic effects of Mivacurium. Risk C: Monitor

Molsidomine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Naftopidil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicergoline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicorandil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

NIFEdipine (Topical): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

NIFEdipine: May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may increase negative inotropic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nitrendipine: May increase therapeutic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May decrease therapeutic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Obinutuzumab: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Opipramol: Beta-Blockers may increase serum concentration of Opipramol. Opipramol may increase serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Ozanimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pentoxifylline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Perazine: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor

Prostacyclin Analogues: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Quinagolide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Reserpine: May increase hypotensive effects of Beta-Blockers. Reserpine may increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor

Rivastigmine: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Risk X: Avoid

Silodosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Succinylcholine: Beta-Blockers may increase neuromuscular-blocking effects of Succinylcholine. Risk C: Monitor

Tasimelteon: Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Tasimelteon. Management: Consider avoiding nighttime administration of beta-blockers during tasimelteon therapy due to the potential for reduced tasimelteon efficacy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor

Theodrenaline: May increase bradycardic effects of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease therapeutic effects of Theodrenaline. Risk C: Monitor

Theophylline Derivatives: Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective) may decrease bronchodilatory effects of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor

Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor

White Birch Allergen Extract: Beta-Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of White Birch Allergen Extract. Specifically, beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta-agonists that may be required to treat systemic reactions to white birch allergen extract. Risk X: Avoid

Reproductive Considerations

Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be used in patients trying to conceive. Betaxolol is not considered a preferred agent for use in pregnant patients; consider transitioning to a preferred agent in patients planning to become pregnant (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019; NICE 2019).

Impotence is noted in product labeling following use of betaxolol. As a class, outcomes from available studies evaluating beta-blockers and sexual dysfunction are inconsistent, and the negative effects on erectile function are considered controversial. A clear relationship between use of beta-blockers and erectile dysfunction has not been established. Hypertension itself is associated with erectile dysfunction. Patients on a beta-blocker presenting with sexual dysfunction should be evaluated for underlying disease (Farmakis 2022; Levine 2012; Semet 2017; Terentes-Printzios 2022; Viigimaa 2020).

Pregnancy Considerations

Betaxolol crosses the placenta (Morselli 1990).

Following maternal use of betaxolol, the beta-blocker effects may persist in the neonate for several days after birth. The risk of cardiac and pulmonary complications is increased in the neonate. Bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress have been reported and monitoring of the neonate for 3 to 5 days after birth is recommended.

Chronic maternal hypertension is also associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).

Based on available data, pregnancy-induced physiologic changes do not alter the pharmacokinetic properties of betaxolol. The maternal half-life and serum concentration of betaxolol immediately postpartum are not significantly different than what is observed in nonpregnant patients (Boutroy 1990; Morselli 1990).

Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment of hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, agents other than betaxolol may be preferred (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018], SOGC [Magee 2022]).

Breastfeeding Considerations

Betaxolol is present in breast milk.

Data related to the presence of betaxolol in breast milk are available from 3 mothers who were part of a larger pharmacokinetic study of betaxolol during pregnancy. In the first case, betaxolol 10 mg was administered as a single dose 3 hours prior to delivery; breast milk concentrations ranged from 48 ng/mL at 24 hours to 3 ng/mL 72 hours postpartum. In the second case, the mother had received 2 doses of betaxolol 10 mg (last dose 26 prior to delivery); breast milk concentrations were 7.8 ng/mL and 4.2 ng/mL, 24 and 48 hours postpartum, respectively. The third mother also received 2 doses of betaxolol 10 mg (last dose 25 hours prior to delivery); breast milk concentrations were 8.8 ng/mL 48 hours postpartum and 7 ng/mL postpartum (Morselli 1990). According to the manufacturer, betaxolol may be present in amounts that could have a pharmacologic effect in the breastfeeding infant.

The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering betaxolol to breastfeeding patients. Use of a beta-blocker other than betaxolol may be preferred in lactating patients (ESC [Cífková 2020]).

Monitoring Parameters

Blood pressure, heart rate; kidney function; signs and symptoms of bronchospasm in patients with existing bronchospastic disease; serum glucose (in patients with diabetes).

Reference Range

Blood pressure goal: May vary depending on clinical conditions, different clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion. Refer to "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for specific treatment goals.

Mechanism of Action

Competitively blocks beta1-receptors, with little or no effect on beta2-receptors

Pharmacokinetics (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Onset of action: 1 to 1.5 hours

Absorption: ~100%

Metabolism: Hepatic to multiple metabolites

Protein binding: ~50%

Bioavailability: 89%

Half-life elimination: 14 to 22 hours; prolonged in hepatic disease and/or chronic renal failure. In patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis, the half-life and AUC are approximately doubled.

Time to peak: 1.5 to 6 hours

Excretion: Urine (>80%, as unchanged drug [15%] and inactive metabolites)

Pharmacokinetics: Additional Considerations (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Older adult: Elimination may be decreased.

Brand Names: International
International Brand Names by Country
For country code abbreviations (show table)

  • (BE) Belgium: Kerlone;
  • (BG) Bulgaria: Betac;
  • (CN) China: Kerlone;
  • (CZ) Czech Republic: Betamed | Betaxa | Betaxolol | Betaxolol medreg | Betaxolol pmcs | Kerlone | Lokren;
  • (DE) Germany: Kerlone;
  • (EG) Egypt: Betaxolol;
  • (FI) Finland: Kerlon;
  • (FR) France: Betaxolol biogaran | Betaxolol Dci | Betaxolol eg | Betaxolol mylan | Betaxolol sandoz | Betaxolol teva | Kerlone;
  • (GB) United Kingdom: Kerlone;
  • (GR) Greece: Kerlone | Pertaxol;
  • (HK) Hong Kong: Kerlone;
  • (HU) Hungary: Lokren;
  • (IE) Ireland: Kerlone mite;
  • (IT) Italy: Kerlon;
  • (JO) Jordan: Betac | Kerlone;
  • (JP) Japan: Along | Betakyl | Betakyl sawai | Kefnan | Kerlong | Tarlong;
  • (KR) Korea, Republic of: Betac | Daberol | Hifree | Kerlone;
  • (LB) Lebanon: Kerlone;
  • (LT) Lithuania: Betac | Betaxolol pmcs | Lokren;
  • (LU) Luxembourg: Kerlone;
  • (LV) Latvia: Betac | Betaxolol pmcs | Lokren;
  • (MA) Morocco: Kerlone;
  • (MY) Malaysia: Betac | Kerlone;
  • (NL) Netherlands: Kerlon;
  • (NO) Norway: Kerlone;
  • (PH) Philippines: Betac | Kerlone;
  • (PL) Poland: Betaxolol medreg | Betaxolol pmcs | Betaxomyl | Lokren;
  • (PR) Puerto Rico: Betaxolol | Betaxolol HCL | Kerlone;
  • (PY) Paraguay: Kerlone;
  • (RO) Romania: Betac | Lokren;
  • (RU) Russian Federation: Betac | Betaxolol | Lokren;
  • (SA) Saudi Arabia: Kerlone;
  • (SG) Singapore: Kerlone;
  • (SK) Slovakia: Betac | Betaxolol medreg | Betaxolol mylan | Lokren;
  • (TN) Tunisia: Kerlone | Ketaxol | Keval;
  • (TW) Taiwan: Betac | Betarun | Bexolo | Kerlone;
  • (UA) Ukraine: Betac | Lokren
  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG practice bulletin no. 203: chronic hypertension in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(1):e26-e50. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003020 [PubMed 30575676]
  2. Amsterdam EA, Wenger NK, Brindis RG, et al; American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines; Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions; Society of Thoracic Surgeons; American Association for Clinical Chemistry. 2014 AHA/ACC guideline for the management of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64(24):2713-2714]. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64(24):e139-e228. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2014.09.017. [PubMed 25260718]
  3. Aronoff GR, Bennett WM, Berns JS, et al, Drug Prescribing in Renal Failure: Dosing Guidelines for Adults and Children, 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Physicians; 2007.
  4. Betaxolol tablet [package label]. Franklin, KY: PuraCap Laboratories, LLC; December 2016.
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