Betaxolol
Betaxolol hydrochloride
Also known as: Betoptic · Betaxololum · Betaxolol hydrochloride
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of glaucoma (including prophylactic management in unilateral primary closed-angle glaucoma) | 1 drop per eye | topical | q12h | Not specified | 🌍 EU |
- Management of glaucoma (including prophylactic management in unilateral primary closed-angle glaucoma): Can be used alone or in combination with other topical glaucoma drugs (e.g., topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors).
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Betaxolol is a topical ophthalmic medication primarily used for the management of glaucoma in dogs. It is a cardioselective (beta-1) beta-blocker that reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humour. It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other topical anti-glaucoma medications, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It is also utilized prophylactically in the unaffected eye of dogs presenting with unilateral primary closed-angle glaucoma.
Clinical Warning: Although applied topically, systemic absorption can occur. Use with extreme caution or avoid in patients with uncontrolled heart failure or asthma.
Mechanism of action
Betaxolol acts as a beta-1 selective beta-blocker. It works by blocking beta-adrenoreceptors in the ciliary body → decreasing the production of aqueous humour → lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Asthma
Adverse effects
- Miosis
- Conjunctival hyperaemia
- Local ocular irritation
Precautions
Normal ophthalmic handling precautions should be observed.
Important: Avoid use in patients with uncontrolled heart failure and asthma due to the risk of systemic beta-blockade following topical absorption.
Drug interactions
Additive adverse effects (systemic beta-blockade)
Prolonged atrioventricular (AV) conduction times
Prolonged atrioventricular (AV) conduction times
Monitoring
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Heart rate and rhythm (due to potential systemic absorption)
- Signs of local ocular irritation
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Absorbed locally into the eye to exert its effect. Systemic absorption can occur via the nasolacrimal duct and conjunctival vessels.
Distribution
Distributes locally to the ciliary body.
Metabolism
Systemically absorbed drug is metabolized in the liver.
Elimination
Systemically absorbed drug is excreted primarily via the kidneys.
Overdose
Clinical Pearl: Overdosage via the ophthalmic route is rare but excessive application may lead to systemic absorption. Signs of systemic beta-blocker overdose include bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Available products
Formulations
- 0.25% ophthalmic suspension (5ml bottle or single-use vials)
- 0.5% ophthalmic solution
Human-labeled
- Betoptic 0.25% ophthalmic suspension
- Betoptic 0.5% ophthalmic solution
Regulatory status
Human authorized product (POM) used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
Human authorized product (POM) used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature. Keep bottles tightly closed. Protect from light and freezing.
Client information
Betaxolol is an eye drop used to treat high pressure inside the eye (glaucoma).
- Wash your hands before and after applying the drops.
- Do not let the tip of the dropper touch the eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination.
- If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between applications.
- Watch for: Redness, squinting, or irritation of the eye. Contact your vet if you notice these signs, or if your pet seems unusually tired, weak, or has breathing difficulties (which could indicate the drug is affecting the rest of the body).
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.