Betaxolol Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 10, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 20 mg; 10 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Hypertension

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day
Dose titration: If desired response is not achieved after 1 to 2 weeks, dose may be doubled.
Maximum dose: 40 mg per day

Comments:

Doses greater than 20 mg once a day did not result in significant additional antihypertensive effects; however, the 40 mg dose has been studied and was well tolerated.

Use: Management of hypertension alone or with another antihypertensive agent, especially thiazide diuretics

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal impairment: No adjustment recommended
Severe renal impairment: Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day; may increase in 5 mg increments every 2 weeks as needed to a maximum dose of 20 mg orally once a day.

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended.

Dose Adjustments

Bronchospastic disease:

Use not recommended
However, if use is necessary, use the lowest possible dose and ensure a bronchodilator is available.
For doses over 10 mg, consider dividing dosage to avoid higher peak blood levels associated with once a day dosing.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Hemodialysis:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
If response not achieved, increase dose in 5 mg increments every 2 weeks.
Maximum dose: 20 mg/day

Peritoneal dialysis: This drug is dialyzable; however, no dose adjustment guidelines have been provided.

Other Comments

Administration advice:

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered; if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose; do not double the dose.

General:

If discontinuation is necessary, gradually taper over 2 weeks, monitor for the signs and symptoms of heart failure and limit exercise.
Monitor patients taking concurrent ophthalmic beta-blocker solutions for additive effects (e.g., bradycardia, reduced intraocular pressure, and hypotension).
Inform physicians, ophthalmologists, and dentists when using this drug, especially if surgery is planned.
This drug interferes with allergic reaction modulation and may increase the risk of anaphylactic reactions; additionally, patients may be refractory to epinephrine in treatment for anaphylactic reactions.

Monitoring:

Heart rate and blood pressure
Signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, edema, and weight gain), especially in at risk patients
Signs and symptoms of angina in patients with coronary heart disease, especially during withdrawal

Patient advice:

Warn patients to avoid interruptions or abrupt discontinuation of this drug.
Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider upon signs and symptoms of angina, bradycardia, hypotension, or heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, edema, and weight gain).
Avoid driving or operating machinery until the full effects are known.
Advise patient to speak to healthcare provider if pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes should be informed that this drug may mask hypoglycemic reactions.