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Drug Details

KERLONE

• Drug Class Description
  Cardioselective b-blockers (beta- blockers).
• Generic Name
  Betaxolol
• Presentation
  Tablets, betaxolol hydrochloride 20mg .
• Description
  White scored f-c tablets marked KE20.
• Indications
  

  Hypertension.

• Adult Dosage
  One daily, increasing to two once daily if necessary.
• Child Dosage
  Not recommended.
• Elderly Dosage
  Initially / daily.
• Contra Indications
  

  Cardiogenic shock, uncontrolled congestive cardiac failure, second or third degree AV block if no pacemaker is present and in patients with marked bradycardia (heart rate less than 50 beats per minute).

• Special Precautions
  

  Concomitant administration of Kerlone and a myocardial depressant or inhibitor of AV conduction, such as the calcium antagonists of the verapamil type, should be carried out only under close supervision, especially in the case of intravenous administration. Avoid in patients with wheezing or reversible obstructive airways disease unless there are compelling clinical reasons for their use. Secondary sympathetic hyperactivity has sometimes been reported following discontinuation of treatment with other beta-blockers.

  Even though Kerlone blood levels decrease slowly, care should be exercised if treatment is withdrawn, especially in patients with ischaemic heart disease. Patients with a history of cardiac failure, cardiomyopathy, or cardiomegaly should be monitored carefully during treatment with a beta-blocker as sympathetic stimulation may be essential to their circulatory function.

  Use with caution where the PR conduction interval is prolonged. Caution in insulin- treated patients with diabetes. In the event of surgical intervention, the anaesthetist should be advised in advance that the patient is receiving Kerlone. In patients with severe ischaemic heart disease the risk/benefits of continuation of treatment have to be evaluated. If treatment is continued care should be taken when using anaesthetic agents such as ether, cyclopropane and trichloroethylene.

• Interactions
  

  As with other beta-blockers, use with care in combination with myocardial depressants or drugs which depress AV conduction. If Kerlone and clonidine are given concurrently, clonidine should not be discontinued until several days after withdrawal of the beta-blocker.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Cold extremities, sleep disturbances (particularly with the more lipophilic drugs), bradycardia, exertional tiredness, bronchospasm, heart failure, hypotension, GI upset. If unexplained dry eyes or skin rash occur withdraw gradually.