What is Kerlone®?

Kerlone® is a cardioselective receptor blocker used in the treatment of high blood pressure. This drug is also known by its generic name, betaxolol hydrochloride, and is classified as a beta-blocker. Kerlone® aids in lowering blood pressure along with helping blood flow by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. It can be used alone as a blood pressure treatment or combined with other medications. Although it helps to control high blood pressure, it is not a cure for it.

This drug comes in a tablet that is normally prescribed to be taken once a day by mouth. It is recommended that Kerlone® be taken close to the same time every day. The effects of Kerlone® might take one to two weeks to be felt.

Patients should consult their doctor before stopping the use of Kerlone®. Suddenly stopping its use might cause a rise in blood pressure along with worsening chest pains. Generally, a doctor will decrease the dosage over a two-week period while monitoring the patient closely. In some cases, patients will be asked to limit their physical activity over this period.

Common side effects of Kerlone® include rash, diarrhea and heartburn, as well as joint pain, deceased sexual ability in men and difficulty sleeping or falling asleep. If these problems persist or become severe, patients should tell their doctor. Patients experiencing serious side effects such as problems breathing, unexplained weight gain, changes in heartbeat, chest pain or a swelling of the arms, hands, legs or feet should contact their doctor immediately. It is recommended that patients do not use heavy machinery or drive a car until they see how they are affected by the medication, because it can cause drowsiness.

Kerlone® is contraindicated for anyone who suffers from sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock or overt cardiac failure and patients who have a greater than first-degree heart block. This is also true for patients known to have a hypersensitivity to the drug. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or wishing to become pregnant should consult with their doctor before starting it.

Some medications, such as some anti-psychotics, calcium channel blockers, cimetidine and many more, might interact with Kerlone®. For this reason, patients should discuss allergies, other medications and medical conditions with their doctor before using this drug. Patients should tell any doctor, dentist or eye doctor whose treatment they are under that they are taking Kerlone®. This medication should be kept in a secure in a place away from excess heat and moisture and out of the reach of children.