Betaxolol Side Effects

Brand Names: Kerlone

Please note - some side effects for Betaxolol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Betaxolol - for the Consumer

Betaxolol

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Betaxolol:

Constipation; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; hallucinations; lightheadedness; nausea; sleeplessness; stomach cramps; tiredness; vision problems; vivid dreams; vomiting; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat.

Betaxolol Drops

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Betaxolol Drops:

Blurred or decreased vision; burning, discomfort, stinging, itching, or tearing when first applied; crusty lashes; dry eyes; eye pain, redness, or discharge; sensation of something in the eye.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heart rate; headache.

Betaxolol Suspension

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Betaxolol Suspension:

Blurred or decreased vision; burning, discomfort, stinging, itching, or tearing when first applied; crusty lashes; dry eyes; eye pain, redness, or discharge; sensation of something in the eye.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heart rate; headache.

Side Effects by Body System

General

Betaxolol is generally well-tolerated. In one large study of 4,685 patients, only 14% experienced side effects after six months of therapy.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects include headache in 15% of patients, although headache has been more common in patients treated with placebo in controlled studies. Fatigue or dizziness are reported in 10% to 16% of patients. Five percent of patients complain of insomnia. Rare side effects include vertigo, paresthesias, lethargy, depression, nervousness, nightmares, and dizziness.

In one study of 317 evaluable patients with hypertension, no side effects associated with betaxolol were more common than with placebo.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular problems include dose-related bradycardia 1% to 8% and Raynaud's phenomenon in 3% of patients. Bradycardia may be more likely in elderly patients. Edema or palpitations occur in 2% to 5% of patients. No reports of congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with betaxolol have been reported, although new or worsened CHF has been associated with the use of some other beta-blockers. Chest pain has also been reported rarely.

In one study of 317 evaluable patients with hypertension, bradycardia was observed in 1.3% of patients who were taking daily doses of 5 mg, 3.8% at 10 mg, and 7.5% at 20 mg.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain is reported in approximately 7% of patients.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects are related to the ability of betaxolol to inhibit bronchodilation, which may be important in some patients with reversible airways disease, such as asthma or severe obstructive lung disease. Dyspnea or bronchospasm is reported in 0.5% of patients. Pharyngitis, rhinitis, and upper respiratory infection have also been reported rarely.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects are unusual. General gastrointestinal disturbances, such as dyspepsia and diarrhea, are reported in 2% to 5% of patients. Constipation and nausea are rare.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary complaints are limited to impotence in approximately 1% of male patients.

Metabolic

Metabolic abnormalities are usually clinically insignificant, and are limited to mild increases in the total serum triglyceride concentration.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects including depression (0.8%) have been rarely reported.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including rash (1.2%) have been rarely reported.

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