Betoptic S Drug Interactions

No specific drug interaction studies have been performed with betaxolol.
Each interaction that is associated with systemically administered beta-blockers can, in principle, appear with the use of beta-blocker eye drops.
There is a potential for additive effects resulting in hypotension and/or marked bradycardia, when ophthalmic beta-blockers solution is administered concomitantly with oral calcium channel blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone), digitalis glycosides, parasympathomimetics, guanethidine (see Precautions). Orally administered beta-adrenergic blocking agents reduce cardiac output in healthy subjects and in patients with heart disease. In patients with severe impairment of myocardial function, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists may inhibit the sympathetic stimulatory effect necessary to maintain adequate cardiac function.
Coadministration of ophthalmic beta-blockers with digitalis may have additive effects in prolonging atrioventricular conduction time. Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or bradycardia which may result in vertigo, syncope or postural hypotension.
When used in conjunction with topical miotics and/or systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, the effect of betaxolol eye drops in lowering IOP may be additive. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, the immediate treatment consists in re-opening the angle by constriction of the pupil with a miotic agent. Betaxolol has little or no effect on the pupil. Therefore, betaxolol eye drops should be used simultaneously with a miotic to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in angle-closure glaucoma (see Precautions).
Ophthalmic beta-blockers and Phenothiazine compounds may have potential additive hypotensive effects due to mutual inhibition of metabolism.
Beta-blockers may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of antidiabetic agents. Beta-blockers can mask the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia (see Precautions).
Mydriasis resulting from concomitant use of ophthalmic beta-blockers and adrenaline (epinephrine) has been reported occasionally.
If supplementary eye preparations are to be used, one should wait at least 5 minutes between two applications. Eye ointments should be administered last.