BETAXOLOL

 BETAXOLOL

BRAND NAME:-  OPTIPRESS, IOBET,OCUBETA 0.5%eye drops.

 BETAXOLOL is Beta1 selective blocker offering the advantage of less bronchopulmonary and probably less cardiac, central and metabolic side effects. Used in the treatment of hypertension and angina.

PHARMACOLOGY:-

Betaxolol is a competitive, beta(1)-selective (cardioselective) adrenergic antagonist.  Activation of beta(1)-receptors (located mainly in the heart) by epinephrine increases the heart rate and the blood pressure, and the heart consumes more oxygen. Drugs such as betaxolol that block these receptors therefore have the reverse effect: they lower the heart rate and blood pressure and hence are used in conditions when the heart itself is deprived of oxygen. They are routinely prescribed in patients with ischemic heart disease. In addition, beta(1)-selective blockers prevent the release of renin, which is a hormone produced by the kidneys which leads to constriction of blood vessels. Betaxolol is lipophilic and exhibits no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) or membrane stabilizing activity. Most ophthalmologists prefer to start with BETAXOLOL and change over to timolol ( or a similar drug) only if i.o.t. control is insufficient or there is local intolerance to betaxolol.

MECHANISM OF ACTION:-

Betaxolol selectively blocks catecholamine stimulation of beta(1)-adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle. This results in a reduction of heart rate, cardiac output, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and possibly reflex orthostatic hypotension. Betaxolol can also competitively block beta(2)-adrenergic responses in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscles, causing bronchospasm. This effect is thought to be caused by reducing the production of the liquid (which is called the aqueous humor) within the eye. The precise mechanism of this effect is not known. The reduction in intraocular pressure reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision in patients with elevated intraocular pressure due to glaucoma. 

USED:-

Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension, arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, glaucoma, and is also used to reduce non-fatal cardiac events in patients with heart failure.

SIDE EFFECTS:-

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Trouble sleeping, decreased sexual ability, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, cold hands and feet, dry eyes, tingling, numbness, and weakness .

DOSE:- 

Dosage is based on your medical condition.

1 Drop in each eye BD.