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Betaxolol Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Kerlone

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

Betaxolol Pregnancy Warnings

Animal studies at dose levels associated with maternal toxicity (600 times the maximum recommended human dose) have revealed postimplantation loss, skeletal and visceral abnormalities, and reductions in litter size and weight. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents decrease placental perfusion which may result in premature and immature deliveries and fetal death. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Benefit should outweigh risk to the infant

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comment: Monitor for the signs and symptoms of beta blockade (e.g., bradycardia, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia) for 3 to 5 days after birth.

See references

Betaxolol Breastfeeding Warnings

Use caution; other beta-blocking agents may be preferred

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comment: Breastfed infants should be monitored for the signs and symptoms of beta blockade, for example, bradycardia, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents with similar lactation characteristics to this drug have caused adverse events in breastfed newborns. This drug is extensively excreted into breastmilk and is expected to have accumulation in the infant due to its low protein binding, low renal excretion, and long half-life.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Product Information. Kerlone (betaxolol). Searle. 2001;PROD.
  2. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Kerlone (betaxolol). Searle. 2001;PROD.
  2. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.