Betoptic (Betaxolol)

Name: Betoptic
Brand: Alcon
SKU: 0167
Availability: InStock

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Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Betoptic

Manufacturer: Alcon

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 0.5 %/5 ml

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Betoptic

Type

Product

Manufacturer

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Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Betaxolol

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 0.5 %/5 ml

Qty-Price (USD):

Betoptic Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on December 5, 2025.

Betoptic and Betaxolol at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand Betoptic (betaxolol) is historically associated with Alcon, its global manufacturer, and is available in some countries. In the United Kingdom, it is currently associated with Immedica Pharma AB as the Marketing Authorisation Holder.

Generic betaxolol is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturers of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Betaxolol

Generic betaxolol contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Betoptic and must meet the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Betoptic. Studies have shown that generic betaxolol is bioequivalent to brand-name Betoptic, meaning it has similar absorption and achieves comparable blood concentrations. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts.

Dosage:

The brand-name Betoptic and the generic betaxolol are available as a 0.5% suspension (eye drops), packed in a 5 ml bottle. Betoptic is also available in other formulations and strengths, such as Betoptic S.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage

Betoptic (betaxolol) is a prescription eye drop medication primarily used to manage open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension by lowering the high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP).

Mechanism of Action:
Betoptic (betaxolol) is an eye drop medication classified as a selective beta-blocker, mainly used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension by reducing high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). It works by acting on the eye's ciliary body to decrease the production of fluid (aqueous humor). Because betaxolol is a relatively selective beta-blocker, it generally provides an effective way to control eye pressure with potentially lower risk of severe respiratory side effects than non-selective beta-blockers, helping prevent irreversible vision loss from glaucoma.

Take Betoptic exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the Details for: BETOPTIC S - Drug and Health Register. Consult a doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Betoptic, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Betoptic (betaxolol). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Most Common Side Effects (Ocular and Local) – These are the most common side effects of Betoptic; other side effects are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or are concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Discomfort or burning/stinging (upon instillation - most common)
• Foreign body sensation (feeling of something in the eye)
• Headache
• Lacrimation (increased tearing)

Other Potential Side Effects (Less Common - Ocular)
• Blurred vision (usually temporary)
• Corneal staining (staining of the eye's surface, Punctate Keratitis)
• Decreased corneal sensitivity
• Itching (pruritus)
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Redness or conjunctival hyperemia

Systemic Side Effects (Less Common - Cardiovascular, CNS, etc.)
• Cardiovascular: bradycardia (slowed heart rate), chest pain, palpitations, edema (swelling).
• Respiratory: bronchospasm (wheezing or difficulty breathing), dyspnea (shortness of breath).
• CNS: anxiety, dizziness, depression, fatigue, insomnia, vertigo.
• Gastrointestinal: constipation, diarrhea, nausea.
• Dermatological: alopecia (hair loss), Dermatitis, Rash.

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Congestive Heart Failure: Worsening of heart failure symptoms (e.g., swelling of the feet/legs, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, especially when lying down).
• Heart Block or Severe Bradycardia: Significant slowing of the heart rate or disruption of the heart's electrical rhythm.
• Severe Bronchospasm: Dangerous narrowing of the airways, especially in patients with reactive airway disease (like asthma).
• Severe Allergic Reaction: (e.g., Angioedema, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).

Contraindications:

The following are key contraindications and important warnings (not an exhaustive list). Before starting Betoptic, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do NOT take Betoptic (betaxolol) if you have any of the following conditions:
• Hypersensitivity: You have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to betaxolol or any component of the ophthalmic solution.
• Respiratory Diseases:
o Bronchial Asthma, or a history of bronchial asthma.
o Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular Conditions:
o Cardiogenic Shock: You have an acute form of heart failure where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
o Overt Cardiac Failure: You have clinical evidence of heart failure that is not adequately controlled.
o Second or Third Degree Atrioventricular (A-V) Block: You have a serious heart rhythm condition without a pacemaker.
o Sinus Bradycardia: You have an abnormally slow heart rate (severe sinus bradycardia).

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Betoptic. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• Allergies/Anaphylaxis History: Patients with a history of severe anaphylactic reactions to various allergens may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat anaphylaxis while taking beta-blockers.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Any history of heart conditions such as Heart Failure, Heart Block, or Severe Sinus Bradycardia (these may be contraindications but still require discussion). Also, notify your doctor of cerebrovascular insufficiency or severe peripheral circulation disorders.
• Diabetes: Beta-blockers can potentially mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as a rapid heartbeat. Monitoring blood glucose is essential.
• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Beta-blockers can mask the clinical signs of the condition, particularly tachycardia. Abrupt withdrawal of the beta-blocker may precipitate a thyroid storm.
• Lung Disease: History of mild to moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other non-severe airway diseases. (Note: Severe forms of these diseases are absolute contraindications.)
• Myasthenia Gravis: Beta-blockers can occasionally potentiate muscle weakness and other symptoms associated with this condition.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Betoptic, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the consumer medicine information from MedSafe at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/b/Betoptic.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Betoptic. Betoptic may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:

Interactions that Increase Systemic Effects
• Other Oral Beta-Blockers: Using Betoptic alongside oral beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol) significantly enhances systemic beta-blockade. This raises the risk of severe bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and heart failure.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Drugs like verapamil and diltiazem slow the heart rate and decrease heart contractility. Additive effects can cause significant bradycardia and hypotension, and may lead to AV conduction abnormalities (heart block).
• Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Drugs that reduce norepinephrine and other catecholamines (e.g., reserpine, guanethidine) can have additive effects with beta-blockers. They may cause an excessive decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to vertigo and postural hypotension (dizziness when standing).
• Clonidine: While the combination can be used, sudden withdrawal of clonidine while taking a beta-blocker can be dangerous. Stopping clonidine abruptly can lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure; the beta-blocker may worsen this hypertension.
• Digitalis (Digoxin): Digoxin also slows the heart rate. There is an increased risk of bradycardia and heart block when combined with Betoptic.

Interactions Affecting CNS/Psychiatric Medications
• Antidepressants/Antipsychotics: Certain psychiatric medications can have additive effects on blood pressure or heart rate.
• CNS Depressants: Combining Betoptic with alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics can increase CNS side effects like dizziness and fatigue. Interactions Affecting Metabolic Processes
• Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemics: Beta-blockers can interfere with the body's natural response to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Betoptic may hide the early warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as rapid heartbeat and tremors, making it harder for diabetic patients to recognize and treat low blood sugar.

Note: To minimize systemic drug absorption and the risk of these interactions, patients should be taught proper administration techniques, such as applying pressure to the tear duct (nasolacrimal occlusion) after instillation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Betoptic (betaxolol) eye drops should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. This caution is necessary because there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and some beta-blockers have been linked to fetal growth problems. Newborns exposed to beta-blockers in utero may be at risk for a temporary slow heart rate (bradycardia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Similarly, because oral betaxolol is detected in human milk, there is a potential risk of adverse cardiovascular effects to the nursing infant from systemic absorption. Therefore, a decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.

Always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make the safest choice for both you and your baby.

Use in Children:

Betoptic (betaxolol) eye drops are not approved or generally recommended for use in children, as their safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Because this medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream, using it in children could pose untested risks to heart rate and blood pressure, requiring specialists to choose alternative eye pressure treatments with established pediatric dosing guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Betoptic at CanadaPharmacyOnline:

Why is Betoptic more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Betoptic, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Can I buy Betoptic over the counter from you?

No, Betoptic requires a prescription from your doctor. We are unable to sell this product without a valid prescription from your doctor.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Betoptic?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, called Betaxolol.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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