Betaxolol high blood pressure medicine
The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system--a subdivision of the nervous system--release a chemical related to adrenaline which binds to the heart-rate controlling cells in the heart as well as the muscles of the heart. Binding causes the heart to beat faster and the muscles of the heart to contract more vigorously and work harder. Betaxolol blocks the binding of the adrenaline-like chemical and prevents the increases in heart rate and muscular contraction. As a result, blood pressure is lowered. By reducing the heart rate and muscular contraction, betaxolol also reduces the heart's need for oxygen to generate energy. Since angina pectoris (heart pain) occurs when the heart's need for oxygen is too great and exceeds the supply of oxygen, betaxolol can prevent angina pectoris. Betaxolol was approved by the FDA in 1985.
Betaxolol is prescribed as a high blood pressure medicine. It also is used to treat chest pain (angina pectoris) related to coronary artery disease. Betaxolol usually is taken once daily. The optimal dose varies among patients.
The blood pressure-lowering effects of betaxolol add to the blood pressure-lowering effects of other drugs. For this reason, combinations of betaxolol and other blood pressure-lowering drugs often are used to treat persons with high blood pressure.
When used in combination with diltiazem (Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor), verapamil (Calan; Isoptin; Verelan; Covera), amiodarone (Cordarone), or digoxin (Lanoxin), betaxolol or other beta-blockers, can cause complete block of the heart's electrical system causing serious abnormal heart rhythms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of beta-blockers such as betaxolol.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Betaxolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.
Betaxolol interacts with a number of other medications:
Indomethacin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (including diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and piroxicam), aspirin, and other salicylates may decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers.
Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem) may be used with beta blockers such as betaxolol unless the patient has heart trouble. Very low blood pressure and heart failure have been observed in patients with impaired heart function who take beta blockers.
Side effects may also be increased if beta blockers are taken along with epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenothiazine tranquilizers, reserpine, clonidine, prazosin, or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. At least 14 days should separate the use of a beta blocker and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
Beta blockers may antagonize (work against) the effects of theophylline, aminophylline, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, and terbutaline.
Beta blockers can also interact with insulin or oral antidiabetic agents -- raising or lowering blood sugar levels or masking symptoms of low blood sugar.
Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or hydralazine may increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers.
Alcohol, barbiturates, and rifampin can decrease blood concentrations of betaxolol, which can result in a decrease in effectiveness.
If you are on both betaxolol and clonidine, and both of these medications are to be discontinued, it is recommended that the betaxolol be tapered off over several days before the gradual reduction of clonidine.
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