Betaxolol eye drops: Shall we talk about this?

Has your doctor told you to use eye drops for high eye pressure? Maybe the name of the medicine is Betaxolol. Many people are a little scared when they hear about putting medicine in their eyes, because they don't really understand how to use it. But if you are aware of this, it is very simple. So, today we will talk about this medicine, the correct way to use it, and the important things we need to be careful about.

What is this Betaxolol?

Simply put, Betaxolol is a medication used to treat conditions that increase eye pressure, especially glaucoma . It belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers .

Now you may be wondering how this can reduce eye pressure. It's very simple. Our eyes constantly produce a type of fluid. If the amount of this fluid increases, the pressure inside the eye increases. What this medicine does is reduce the amount of that fluid produced. Then the pressure inside the eye is controlled and damage to the optic nerves can be prevented.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing this medication to you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition, as we need to be very careful when using this medication with certain medical conditions.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Follow these steps.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Shake the bottle: Shake the medicine bottle well before use.

3. Correct posture: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger. It will form a small pouch.

4. Apply the medicine: Put the number of drops of medicine prescribed by the doctor into the bag. But remember, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, your fingertips, or any other surface. Doing so can introduce germs and cause infection.

5. Keep your eye closed: After applying the drops, close your eye and gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute or two. This will help spread the medicine throughout your eye and reduce the chance of it getting into your throat.

6. Use it on time: Use the medicine as directed by your doctor, at the prescribed intervals. Never use more than the prescribed amount at any one time.

What to do if you overdose?

Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much medicine. If this happens, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose?

If you forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

This medicine can interact with some other medicines, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

• Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and heart rhythm disorders
• Some medications for diabetes (e.g. glipizide, glyburide)
• Diuretics, which we commonly call "water pills"

Things to keep in mind when using the medicine

• Regular checkups: You should see your doctor at regular intervals to make sure your eye pressure is under control and that your medication is working properly.
• Eye problems: If your eyes become swollen, red, painful, or watery, stop using the medicine immediately and see your doctor. Also, if you have any eye injuries, infections, or eye surgery, ask your doctor if you can continue using this medicine.
• Drowsiness: This medication may make some people feel a little sleepy or dizzy. So, don't do anything that requires a lot of concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how it affects you.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before applying the medication. It is best to wait about 15 minutes before putting them back in.
• Sensitivity to light: If you feel that your eyes are sensitive to light due to this medicine, wear dark glasses.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

How do you store the medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.

Betaxolol, glaucoma, eye pressure, eye drops, beta blocker