Kerlone: Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Kerlone (betaxolol) is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart, reducing the workload of the heart and lowering blood pressure. Uses Kerlone is mainly used for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It has been seen to be particularly effective in reducing systolic blood pressure, which is the top number when blood pressure is taken, and is usually the most important number in determining the level of hypertension. Dosage Kerlone comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. The recommended starting dose for hypertension is 10 mg once a day, which can be increased to 20 mg if needed. For heart failure, the starting dose is usually 5 mg once a day, and can be increased to 20 mg if necessary. The drug should be taken with food, as this can enhance its absorption. Demographic Kerlone is indicated for use in adult patients only, and is not recommended for use in children. There is no data about the efficacy or safety of Kerlone in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so its use in these populations should be avoided. It is also not recommended for use in patients with severe liver or kidney disease. Side effects Like all medications, Kerlone may cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Kerlone may also cause more serious side effects, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, hallucinations, depression, and low blood sugar. Patients should report any side effects to their doctor promptly. Interactions Kerlone may interact with other medications, including: 1. Other beta blockers: Concurrent use of Kerlone with other beta blockers may increase the risk of side effects, including bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate). 2. Calcium channel blockers: Concurrent use of Kerlone with calcium channel blockers may increase the risk of bradycardia, heart block, and exacerbation of heart failure. 3. Digitalis: Concurrent use of Kerlone with digitalis may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. 4. Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents: Kerlone may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes. 5. NSAIDs: Concurrent use of Kerlone with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may decrease the effectiveness of beta blockers. Generic options Betaxolol hydrochloride is the generic form of Kerlone. It is available in tablet form, but with different strengths, including 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Betaxolol hydrochloride has been shown to be bioequivalent to Kerlone, which means that it has the same therapeutic effect as the brand-name drugs. Conclusion Kerlone is a beta-blocker medication used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, reducing the workload of the heart and lowering blood pressure. It is effective in reducing systolic blood pressure, particularly in patients with hypertension. Kerlone may cause side effects, so patients should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor promptly. Kerlone may interact with other medications, so patients should tell their doctor about all the medications they are taking. Betaxolol hydrochloride is the generic form of Kerlone, and is bioequivalent to the brand-name drug.