Brand Names: Kerlone

Generic Name: betaxolol (Pronunciation: bay TAX oh lol)

• What is betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• What are the possible side effects of betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• What is the most important information I should know about betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• How should I take betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Kerlone)?
• What happens if I overdose (Kerlone)?
• What should I avoid while taking betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• What other drugs will affect betaxolol (Kerlone)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is betaxolol (Kerlone)?

Betaxolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Betaxolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Betaxolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Betaxolol 10 mg-ACT

round, white, imprinted with A179

Kerlone 10 mg

round, white, imprinted with KERLONE 10

What are the possible side effects of betaxolol (Kerlone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or uneven heartbeats;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• depression;
• cold feeling in your hands and feet;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, vomiting, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions); or
• patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight).

Less serious side effects may include:

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• tired feeling; or
• anxiety, nervousness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Kerlone (betaxolol hydrochloride) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about betaxolol (Kerlone)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to betaxolol or if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate, or severe or uncontrolled heart failure or pheochromocytoma.

Before taking betaxolol, tell your doctor if you have angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, low blood pressure, depression, liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, myasthenia gravis, or problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using betaxolol. You may need to briefly stop using betaxolol before having surgery.

Do not skip doses or stop taking betaxolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Betaxolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.