Bradycardia betaxolol

Although betaxolol generally elicits less systemic beta-blockade than do noncardioselective agents, it does cause undesirable systemic effects in some patients. Reported adverse experiences include congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, respiratory difficulties strongly suggestive of obstructive airway disease, weakness with severe sinus bradycardia, and wheezing with objective reduction in pulmonary function. 

Betaxolol is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia, greater than first-degree atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock, or overt cardiac feilure. It is also contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of its components. As noted above, severe respiratory reactions have occurred, and the drug must therefore be used with caution in patients with asthma or COPD. Also, because minor changes in heart rate and blood pressure can occur, this agent must be used with caution, or avoided, in patients with a history of cardiac Mlure or heart block. 

A survey of 15 patients taking beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol or sotalol) for 6 to 8 weeks found no evidence of changes in antihypertensive effects or bradycardia while they were taking famotidine 40 mg daily. No interaction would be expected, and no special precautions would seem necessary if famotidine is taken with these or any other beta blocker. 

Comparative studies In 105 children who were treated with either betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic suspension 0.25% or timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution 0.25% and 0.5% after randomization, adverse events were mostly non-seri-ous and mild to moderate in intensity [26 ]. No patient stopped treatment because of adverse events, which were hyperemia of the eye, discomfort, irritation of the eye, discharge from the eye, lid margin crusting, pruritus of the eye, a sticky sensation, bradycardia, and hypotension. 

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