Before using betaxolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other beta blockers (e.g., timolol, metipranolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), certain serious heart conditions (cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), muscle weakness disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), heart failure (treated, stable type), low blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency), poor blood flow to the hands/feet (Raynaud's phenomenon), severe allergies.
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of betaxolol. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of a low blood sugar level, such as dizziness/sweating, are unaffected by this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.