Glaucoma refers to a medical problem in which the pressure in the eye is too high. The Mayo Clinic says glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma symptoms include loss of peripheral vision, eye pain, tunnel vision, blurry vision and reddening of the eyes. A few medications are available to manage glaucoma symptoms.
Betaxolol
Betaxolol is a beta-blocker medication used to manage glaucoma. Specifically, it is used to reduce the production of the aqueous humor, the liquid component in the eye that can lead to glaucoma symptoms.
Drugs.com says betaxolol's common side effects include anxiety, trouble sleeping, fatigue and a decreased sex drive. Call a physician when betaxolol's side effects last for more than five days.
Betaxol's serious effects include a slow heartbeat, depression, swelling of the feet or ankles, fainting and shortness of breath. Betaxolol can also lead to dark urine, clay-colored stools and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Other serious effects include joint pain, muscle aches and chest pain. Call a doctor when betaxolol causes these effects.
A change in betaxolol's dose is necessary when the patient suffers from such medical problems as chest pain, heart failure, thyroid problems, low blood pressure and diabetes.
Betaxolol is an eyedrop that should be placed in the eye as indicated.
Apraclonide
Apraclonide is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist that is used to reduce eye pressure. MedlinePlus says some of apraclonide's common effects include dry or pale eyes, red or swollen eyes, depression, irritability, constipation, chest pain, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. Apraclonide can also lead to depression, a burning nose, a loss of libido (sex drive) and a change in the sensation of smell. Phone a doctor when apraclonide's common effects persist for more than six days.
Apraclonide's serious effects include shortness of breath, fainting and swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Call a physician as soon as apraclonide causes these effects.
An alteration in apraclonide's dose is needed when the patient is also taking propanolol, timolol, clomipramine and levobunolol.
MedlinePlus says apraclonide is available in 0.5 and 1 percent strength formulas. It states that the 0.5 solution is applied to the affected eye three times a day. The 1 percent strength formula is typically applied one hour prior to laser surgery.
Bimatoprost
Bimatoprost belongs to a class of drugs called prostamides. MedlinePlus says bimatoprost is used to manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Bimatoprost's common effects include eye tearing, eye pain, a headache, eye irritation and burning of the eyes. Bimatoprost can also lead to dry or itchy eyes. Notify a doctor when bimatoprost's side effects last for more than five to seven days.
Bimatoprost's serious effects include pink eye, light sensitivity and swelling or redness of the outer eye. See a doctor when bimatoprost causes these effects.
