Betaxon (Levobetaxolol Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Suspension) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Betaxon

Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

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Betaxon

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BETAXON™
(levobetaxolol hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Suspension 0.5%
Sterile Topical Ophthalmic Drops

DRUG DESCRIPTION

BETAXON™ (levobetaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic suspension) 0.5% contains levobetaxolol hydrochloride, a cardioselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, in a sterile resin suspension formulation. Levobetaxolol hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 343.89. The specific rotation is:

[α]25°C/589nm -19.67°(c=20 mg/mL; methanol)

The chemical structure is:

BETAXON (levobetaxolol hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Empirical Formula: C₁₈H₂₉NO₃•HCl

Chemical Name: (S)-1-[p-[2-(cyclopropylemethoxy)ethyl]phenoxy]3-(isopropylamino)-2-propanol hydrochloride.

Each mL of BETAXON™ (levobetaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic suspension) 0.5% contains: Active: levobetaxolol HCl 5.6 mg equivalent to 5.0 mg of levobetaxolol free base. Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01%. Inactives: mannitol, poly(styrene-divinyl benzene) sulfonic acid, Carbomer 974P, boric acid, N-lauroylsarcosine, edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid or tromethamine (to adjust pH) and purified water. It has a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and an osmolality of 260 to 340 mOsm per kg.

What are the possible side effects of levobetaxolol ophthalmic (Betaxon)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using levobetaxolol ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
an asthma attack (shortness of breath, wheezing); or
irregular, fast, or slow heartbeats or changes in blood pressure.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Betaxon »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/30/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.