Betaxolol
Betaxolol is a selective beta1 receptor blocker used in the treatment of hypertension and glaucoma. Being selective for beta1 receptors, it typically has fewer systemic side effects than non-selective beta-blockers, for example, not causing bronchospasm as timolol may. Betaxolol also shows greater affinity for beta1 receptors than metoprolol. In addition to its effect on the heart, betaxolol reduces the pressure within the eye. This effect is thought to be caused by reducing the production of the liquid within the eye. The precise mechanism of this effect is not known. The reduction in intraocular pressure reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision in patients with elevated intraocular pressure due to glaucoma.
It was patented in 1975 and approved for medical use in 1983.Medical uses
History
Betaxolol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ocular use as a 0.5% solution in 1985 and as a 0.25% solution in 1989.Brand names include Betoptic, Betoptic S, Lokren, Kerlone.
