Drugs & Vitamins

Kerlone Oral Active Ingredients: Betaxolol Oral   Representative Names: Kerlone Oral Available Product Images: What are betaxolol tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with betaxolol? What side effects may I notice from taking betaxolol? What should I watch for while taking betaxolol? Where can I keep my medicine? What are betaxolol tablets? (Back to top) BETAXOLOL (Kerlone®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Betaxolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). Generic betaxolol tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •angina (chest pain) •asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm •circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease) •depression •diabetes •emphysema, or other lung disease •history of heart attack or heart disease •kidney disease •muscle weakness or disease •pheochromocytoma •psoriasis •thyroid disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to betaxolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take betaxolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 8 hours between doses. What drug(s) may interact with betaxolol? (Back to top) •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •cocaine •hawthorn •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for diabetes •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines to control heart rhythm •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking betaxolol? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •changes in vision •cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet •confusion •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness or fainting spells •increased thirst •increase in the amount of urine passed •irregular heartbeat •joint pain •skin rash •slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional) •sweating •swollen legs or ankles •tremor, shakes •vomiting •weight loss Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety •depression, nightmares •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •dry itching skin •dry or burning eyes •headache •nausea •sexual difficulties, impotence •unusual tiredness What should I watch for while taking betaxolol? (Back to top) Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking betaxolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how betaxolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks. Betaxolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking betaxolol. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.