Class: beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
VA Class: CV100
Chemical Name: 2-Propanol, 1-(4-(2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)ethyl)phenoxy)-3-((1-methylethyl) amino)-, hydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C18H29NO3•ClH
CAS Number: 63659-19-8
Brands: Kerlone
Introduction
A β1-selective adrenergic blocking agent.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24 25
Uses for Betaxolol Hydrochloride
Hypertension
Management of hypertension (alone or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive agents).1 28
One of several preferred initial therapies in hypertensive patients with heart failure, postmyocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and/or diabetes mellitus.37
Can be used as monotherapy for initial management of uncomplicated hypertension; however, thiazide diuretics are preferred by JNC 7.37
Betaxolol Hydrochloride Dosage and Administration
General
Individualize dosage according to patient response and tolerance.1 28 30
If long-term therapy is discontinued, reduce dosage gradually over a period of about 2 weeks.1 (See Abrupt Withdrawal of Therapy under Cautions.)
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally;1 absorption does not appear to be affected by food or alcohol.1
Dosage
Available as betaxolol hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.1 Commercially available tablets containing 10 or 20 mg of betaxolol hydrochloride contain 8.94 or 17.88 mg of betaxolol, respectively.1
Adults
Hypertension
Oral
Initially, 5–10 mg once daily.1 28 30 37 Increase dosage gradually up to 20 mg daily.1 2 3 16 30 37
Prescribing Limits
Adults
Hypertension
Oral
Maximum 40 mg daily.1 28
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Dosage reductions are not routinely necessary.1 Use with caution; monitor patients carefully.1
Renal Impairment
Initially, 5 mg once daily in those with severe impairment or undergoing dialysis.1 Increase dosage in increments of 5 mg daily, no more frequently than at 2-week intervals, up to a maximum of 20 mg daily.1
Geriatric Patients
Initially, 5 mg daily.1
Bronchospastic Disease
Use the lowest possible dosage (5–10 mg once daily).1
If dosage must be increased, consider divided administration of the daily dose to avoid the higher peak plasma concentrations associated with once-daily dosing.1
Cautions for Betaxolol Hydrochloride
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to betaxolol.1
Patients with sinus bradycardia, heart block greater than first degree, cardiogenic shock, or overt cardiac failure.1
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Cardiac Failure
Possible precipitation of CHF.1
Avoid use in patients with decompensated CHF; may use cautiously in patients with inadequate myocardial function and, if necessary, in patients with well-compensated heart failure (e.g., those controlled with cardiac glycosides and/or diuretics).1
Adequate treatment (e.g., with a cardiac glycoside and/or diuretic) and close observation recommended if signs or symptoms of impending cardiac failure occur; if cardiac failure continues, discontinue therapy, gradually if possible.1
Abrupt WIthdrawal of Therapy
Abrupt discontinuance of therapy is not recommended as it may exacerbate angina symptoms or precipitate MI in patients with CAD.1
Gradually decrease dosage over a period of about 2 weeks and monitor patients carefully; advise patients to temporarily limit their physical activity during withdrawal of therapy.1
If exacerbation of angina occurs or acute coronary insufficiency develops, reinstitute therapy promptly and initiate appropriate measures for the management of unstable angina pectoris.1
Bronchospastic Disease
Possible bronchoconstriction.1
Generally should not be used in patients with bronchospastic disease, but may be used with caution in such patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate alternative treatment.1
Administer the lowest effective dosage (5–10 mg once daily); a bronchodilator (e.g., a β2-adrenergic agonist) should be available.1
Major Surgery
Possible risks associated with general anesthesia (e.g., severe hypotension, difficulty maintaining heart beat) due to decreased ability of the heart to respond to reflex β-adrenergic stimuli.1 Use with caution in patients undergoing major surgery involving general anesthesia.1 Use particular care if anesthetics that depress the myocardium (e.g., cyclopropane, ether, trichloroethylene) are used.1
Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Possible decreased signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., may mask tachycardia but not sweating or dizziness).1
Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving hypoglycemic drugs.1
Thyrotoxicosis
Signs of hyperthyroidism (e.g., tachycardia) may be masked.1 Possible thyroid storm if therapy is abruptly withdrawn; carefully monitor patients having or suspected of developing thyrotoxicosis.1
Sensitivity Reactions
Anaphylactic Reactions
Possible increased reactivity to repeated, accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic challenges with a variety of allergens while taking β-blocking agents.1 Such patients may be unresponsive to usual doses of epinephrine.1
General Precautions
Intraocular Pressure
Possible reduction in intraocular pressure.1 May interfere with glaucoma screening test; withdrawal of therapy may cause return to increased intraocular pressure.1 (See Interactions.)
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.1
Lactation
Distributed into milk.1 Use with caution.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established.1
Geriatric Use
Possible increased incidence of bradycardia in patients >65 years of age compared with younger adults.1 Bradycardia (possibly dose related) may respond to dosage reduction.1 (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration.)
Hepatic Impairment
Although elimination half-life may be increased, clearance may remain unchanged, resulting in little change in the AUC.1 (See Hepatic Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Renal Impairment
Clearance may be decreased.1 Dosage adjustment may be needed based on degree of renal impairment.1 (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Common Adverse Effects
Bradycardia, edema, headache, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, insomnia, nervousness, bizarre dreams, impotence, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, arthralgia, rash.1
Interactions for Betaxolol Hydrochloride
Specific Drugs
Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
β-Adrenergic blocking agents (opthalmic solution) | Possible additive effects on intraocular pressure or systemic β blockade1 | |
Calcium-channel blocking agents | Potential hypotension, AV conduction disturbances, and left ventricular failure1 | Avoid concomitant use in patients with impaired cardiac function1 |
Chlorthalidone | Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 | |
Cimetidine | Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 | |
Clonidine | β-Adrenergic blockade may exacerbate rebound hypertension following discontinuance of clonidinea | Discontinue β-blockers several days before initiating gradual withdrawal of clonidine1 If replacing clonidine, delay initiation of the β-blocker for several days after stopping clonidinea |
Hydrochlorothiazide | Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 | |
Nifedipine | Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 | |
Reserpine | Additive effects1 | Monitor for signs of hypotension and bradycardia (e.g., vertigo, syncope, postural hypotension)1 |
Warfarin | No potentiation of anticoagulant effect1 |
Betaxolol Hydrochloride Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentration usually attained within 1.5–6 hours.1
Absolute bioavailability is 89%.1
Onset
Reductions in BP and heart rate observed within 24 hours after 5- to 40-mg doses (given once daily); these effects usually are maximal within 1 or 2 weeks.1
Food
Food or alcohol does not appear to affect absorption.1
Distribution
Extent
Distributed into milk.1
Plasma Protein Binding
Approximately 50%.1
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized in the liver.1
Elimination Route
Excreted in the urine as metabolites and unchanged drug.1
Half-life
14–22 hours.1
Special Populations
Clearance varies with the degree of renal impairment.1
In patients with hepatic impairment, half-life was increased by 33%, but clearance was unchanged.1
In geriatric patients, elimination may be reduced.1
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
15–25°C.1
ActionsActions
Inhibits response to adrenergic stimuli by competitively blocking β1-adrenergic receptors within the myocardium.1 Blocks β2-adrenergic receptors within the bronchial and vascular smooth muscle only at high doses.1
Decreases resting and exercise-stimulated heart rate, cardiac output, cardiac work, and reflex orthostatic tachycardia and inhibits isoproterenol-induced tachycardia.1
One of the most potent2 6 11 14 15 17 19 20 25 and selective2 11 14 15 17 20 25 β1-adrenergic blocking agents currently available.
No intrinsic sympathomimetic activity1 11 13 15 22 and little or no membrane-stabilizing effect on the heart.1 2 8 9 11 16 17 18 22 24 25
Reduces BP by decreasing cardiac output, decreasing sympathetic outflow from the CNS, and/or suppressing renin release.1
Advice to Patients
Importance of taking betaxolol exactly as prescribed.1
Importance of not interrupting or discontinuing therapy without consulting clinician; patients should temporarily limit their physical activity when discontinuing therapy.1
Importance of immediately informing clinician at the first sign or symptom of impending cardiac failure (e.g., weight gain, increased shortness of breath) or if any difficulty in breathing occurs.1
In patients with heart failure, importance of informing clinician of signs or symptoms of exacerbation (e.g., weight gain, difficulty in breathing).1
Importance of patients informing anesthesiologist or dentist that they are receiving betaxolol therapy prior to undergoing major surgery.1
Importance of informing patients with diabetes that the drug may mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, including increased heart rate.1
Importance of avoiding some activities (e.g., operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle) until effects on the individual are known.1
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.1
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets, film-coated | 10 mg* | Betaxolol Hydrochloride Tablets | Amide |
Kerlone | Sanofi-Synthelabo | |||
20 mg* | Betaxolol Hydrochloride Tablets | Amide | ||
Kerlone | Sanofi-Synthelabo |
Comparative Pricing
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
Betaxolol HCl 10MG Tablets (ACTAVIS TOTOWA): 30/$44.99 or 90/$113.97
Kerlone 10MG Tablets (SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S.): 30/$50.99 or 90/$134.97
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions July 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
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