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Betaxolol ophthalmic is a topical eye medication used to treat glaucoma. It acts by decreasing the amount of fluid produced within the eye to lower the eye pressure. Betaxolol ophthalmic can also be used in the healthy eye of animals with only one eye affected by glaucoma to prevent glaucoma from occurring in the healthy eye.
Betaxolol ophthalmic is used off label in many species, including dogs, cats, and horses. There are no veterinary brands of betaxolol ophthalmic, but several generic human brands.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 hours; however, you will not see the effects of this medication outwardly.
Humans can experience dizziness and headaches while using betaxolol.
If you miss a dose of betaxolol ophthalmic, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Betaxolol ophthalmic may cause the following side effects:
Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving betaxolol ophthalmic and contact your veterinarian immediately:
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects may be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
It is not recommended to stop this medication abruptly.
This medication should NOT BE USED in pets who:
This medication should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets who:
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment. There are no documented drug interactions for betaxolol ophthalmic.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Nov 15, 2024.
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2801 Keele St. Unit #101 Downsview, ON M3M 2G6
Phone: 416- 633-2255
Fax: 416-633-2305
E-Mail: downsviewveterinary@bellnet.ca
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