What is Timolol?

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist administered to reduce intraocular pressure or pressure in the eyes in an eye drop solution. It is also used as a medicine in tablet form to treat hypertension. In 1978, Timolol was first approved by the FDA. This medicine is marketed by different manufacturers and is an effective agent for managing conditions such as open-angle glaucoma and hypertension.
Timolol is a blocking agent for beta-adrenergic. Like other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, it mainly blocks the action of, for example, the heart of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system. Timolol causes a decrease in pressure within the eye, in addition to its effect on the heart (intraocular pressure).


Timolol Uses:

This medication is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases (open-angle type) e.g., ocular hypertension. To prevent blindness, lowering high pressure inside the eye helps. This drug works by reducing the amount of fluid inside the eye. Timolol belongs to a class of medications referred to as beta-blockers.


Timolol Side effects:

Some of the common side effects of Timolol are:

  • Eye irritation
  • Double vision
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Some of the serious side effects of Timolol are:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Swelling of feet
  • Fainting

Know that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor and he or she has decided that the value is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects for many people who take this drug. If any of these unlikely but severe side effects arise, inform your doctor immediately: dizziness, eye pain/swelling/discharge, and slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle fatigue, mental/mood changes, coldness/numbness/pain in your hands or feet.


Precautions

Before using Timolol talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause a serious allergic reaction or some other serious problems. The medicine should not be used if you are having any medical conditions. Before using Timolol talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:

  • Lung disease
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Certain types of heart disease

How to use Timolol?

Timolol comes as a solution (liquid) and gel-forming solution with extended-release (long-acting) (a liquid that thickens to a gel when instilled in the eye). Timolol eye drops are typically instilled at evenly spaced intervals once or twice a day before the pressure in the eye is controlled (about 4 weeks). Then once a day it can be instilled. The gel-forming solution of Timolol is normally instilled once a day.

Timolol Eye drops or Eye gels:
Clean your hands first in order to apply eye drops. Do not contact the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface in order to prevent contamination.
Remove lenses if you are using them. Before removing your contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes.
Tilt your head back, look upwards, and make a pouch by pulling down the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop, usually once in the morning or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. Look down, close your eyes gently, and put one finger in the corner of your eye (near the nose). Before opening your eyes, apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will avoid the drainage of the drug. Try not to rub your eyes or blink. Repeat these measures with the other eye if you have been guided to use this drug in both eyes.


Missed Dose

If you are on a daily schedule using this medication and skip a dose, use it as soon as you recall. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. At a normal time, use the next dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.


Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have used more than the prescribed Timolol eye drops there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.


Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions

Pregnancy

While the effects of oral timolol on the fetus have not been studied in human research, animal studies have shown adverse effects. The physician must then assess the possible risks to the fetus against the mother's potential benefits. It is unclear if the fetus is affected by the small amount of timolol penetrating into the blood after administration into the eye

Breastmilk

After oral administration, levels of timolol in breast milk can be three times those in the mother's blood. It is not known how much timolol appears in breast milk after the administration in the eyes. Ideally, breastfeeding should be stopped in patients taking Timolol.


Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).


Timolol vs Betaxolol

Timolol

Betaxolol

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist administered to reduce intraocular pressure or pressure in the eyes in an eye drop solution Betaxolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It acts to increase blood flow and to decrease blood pressure by calming blood vessels and slowing the heart rate.
This medication is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma or other eye diseases (open-angle type) e.g., ocular hypertension. This drug is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye disorders, alone or with other medications.
Some of the common side effects of Timolol are:
  • Eye irritation
  • Double vision
  • Headache
  • Depression
Some of the common side effects of Betaxolol are:
  • Red eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble in sleeping
  • Increased in eye sensitivity

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of timolol?

Some of the common side effects of Timolol are:

  • Eye irritation
  • Double vision
  • Headache
  • Depression

Is Timolol a beta-blocker?

Timolol belongs to the class of medication called beta-blockers. This works by decreasing the pressure in the eye.

What is the action of timolol?

Timolol is a blocking agent for beta-adrenergic. Like other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, it primarily inhibits the activity of, for example, the heart of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system. Timolol induces a decrease in pressure inside the eye, in addition to its effect on the heart (intraocular pressure).

What is Timolol used to treat?

Timolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the pressure inside the eye as well. Ophthalmic timolol (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of inside eye high pressure.

Can you take Timolol at night?

Timolol maleate 0.5% administered twice a day is effective for 24 hours, but its effect is best during the day or when the person is awake. While the person is sleeping, its impact is diminished.

Does Timolol raise blood pressure?

To treat hypertension, Timolol is used. In a category of medicines called beta-blockers, Timolol is a prescription drug. The heart and breathing are impaired by Beta-blockers (blood flow through arteries and veins). Timolol is available under various brand names: Blocadren and Timol.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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