Timolol eye drops are used to treat glaucoma

Drug Name: Timolol Ophthalmic (tye’ moe lole)

Other Names: Timoptic, Timoptic-XE

WHY is Timolol prescribed?

Timolol is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. This eye medication decreases the pressure in the eye.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye, resulting in vision loss. Read all about glaucoma.

Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve on the back of the eye. However, with early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

Also see a “Human Eye” animation

HOW should Timolol be used?

This glaucoma treatment comes as eye drops and eye gel. They are usually are applied once or twice a day, at evenly spaced intervals, until pressure in your eyeball is controlled (about 4 weeks). Then you may be able to use it once a day.

Timolol gel usually is applied once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Timolol controls glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to use the drop even if you feel well. Do not stop using it without talking to your doctor.

For eyedrop installation instructions, click here.

Timolol SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Before using these eye drops or eye gel:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Timolol, beta blockers, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other eye medications; beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol); esmolol (Breviblic); labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol (Corgard); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); and timolol (Blocadren); quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs); verapamil (Calan, Isoptin); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid, heart, or lung disease; congestive heart failure; or diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using this drop, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using it.
• if you are using another eyedrop medication, use the eye medications at least 10 minutes apart.

What should I do if I FORGET A DOSE of Timolol?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can Timolol cause?

Although side effects from Timolol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• eye irritation
• double vision
• headache
• depression
• dizziness
• upset stomach

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using timolol and call your doctor immediately:

• slow or irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• fainting

What STORAGE CONDITIONS are needed for Timolol?

Keep Timolol in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). If it becomes discolored or cloudy, obtain a fresh bottle. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain eye tests to check your response to timolol.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

See also…

Levobunolol eye drops

Metipranolol eye drops

Alphagan eye drops

Trusopt eye drops

Xalatan eye drops