Have you been prescribed medication by your doctor for high blood pressure, or what many people call "high blood pressure"? If so, you may have been prescribed this medication called Betaxolol. This is a medication that is often prescribed to control high blood pressure. So today, let's talk about this medication in a simple and friendly way, what it does, and what you should be careful about when using it.
What actually happens with this Betaxolol pill?
Simply put, betaxolol is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers . Think of your heart as a water pump. When your blood pressure increases, it means that the pump has to work harder and use more force to pump blood throughout your body.
This medicine works by slowing your heart rate down a bit, relaxing your blood vessels, and lowering the pressure. This allows your heart to pump blood through your body more easily without having to work as hard. This is how this medicine controls your blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing betaxolol to you, your doctor will ask you about certain things. However, you should definitely tell them about yourself as well. This medicine is not suitable for everyone.
The most important thing is, don't hide anything about your health history from your doctor. Even something small can affect your treatment.
If you have any of the conditions in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Your health condition or habit | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (e.g., increased heart rate). |
| Asthma or other lung diseases | Beta-blockers can sometimes cause airway constriction and worsen asthma. |
| Heart disease (e.g., very slow heartbeat, heart attack) or blood vessel diseases such as Raynaud's disease | This may aggravate existing heart conditions. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because these organs affect the process of removing medication from the body. |
| Thyroid disease | This may mask some symptoms of increased thyroid hormone levels. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should discuss the possible effects on the fetus with your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | You should be aware of whether the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to betaxolol or any of its ingredients. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Take it correctly: Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the exact time. Try to take it at the same time every day if possible.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop suddenly: This is the most important thing. Never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase, chest pain, and other complications.
- What if I miss a dose?: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
- What if you take too much medicine?: If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Check your blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly as directed by your doctor. Know what your normal blood pressure should be and when to call your doctor.
- Taking other medications: While you are taking this medicine, do not take over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or body aches. Some painkillers (such as ibuprofen) can increase blood pressure. Ask your doctor before taking anything.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and difficulty making decisions in some people. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication may increase the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure.
What side effects should you be aware of?
Like any medicine, betaxolol can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Worsening heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness. |
| Change in mental status | The emergence or increase of feelings such as depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Various disorders | Changes in sexual desire or function, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, strange dreams. |
Take-Home Message
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have (especially asthma, diabetes).
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience a serious side effect such as severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the limbs.
- Avoid driving and operating dangerous machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
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