Timolol

The usual starting dose is one drop of timolol 0.25% solution in the affected eye(s) twice daily. If the response to the drops is not adequate, your doctor may change the dose to one drop of timolol 0.5% solution in each of the affected eye twice daily.

Avoid touching the tip of the dispensing container to the eye or around the eye. Eye solutions, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause Eye Infections. Serious damage to the eye and loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions.

If more than one type of eye drop is being used, the different eye drops should be administered at least 10 minutes apart.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Timolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Timolol at room temperature, protect it from light and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard any solution remaining in the dropper bottle one month after the date on which the container is first opened.

Timolol is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Timolol may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on the person; it may cause difficulty breathing; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause unusual tiredness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

0.25%
Each mL of sterile, isotonic, buffered, clear, colourless-to-pale-yellow ophthalmic solution contains timolol maleate equivalent to 2.5 mg of timolol (0.25%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.01% (as a preservative), dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloride (to adjust pH), and purified water.

0.5%
Each mL of sterile, isotonic, buffered, clear, colourless-to-pale-yellow ophthalmic solution contains timolol maleate equivalent to 5 mg of timolol (0.5%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.01% (as a preservative), dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloride (to adjust pH), and purified water.

Do not use Timolol if you:

• are allergic to timolol or any ingredient of the medication
• are in overt heart failure or cardiogenic shock (shock due to heart-related causes)
• have an extremely slow heart rate or serious heart block
• have Asthma or severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (e.g., emphysema, chronic Bronchitis)

There may be an interaction between timolol and any of the following:

• antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Disopyramide, Propafenone)
• beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol, terbutaline)
• medications that lower blood pressure
• other beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, propranolol, Sotalol)
• other eye drops

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Timolol.

Blurred vision: Timolol eye drops may cause temporary blurred vision after putting them in your eyes. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Timolol affects you.

Breathing problems: Like other beta-adrenergic blockers, timolol can cause difficulty breathing for people with asthma and certain other breathing problems. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Timolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Timolol.

Contact lenses: There are preservatives present in both formulations of timolol eye drops. These preservatives may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before using timolol drops and wait for at least 15 minutes after using the drops to put the contact lenses back in your eyes.

Diabetes: The signs of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may not be as noticeable when using timolol eye drops. People with diabetes who are prone to hypoglycemia or those who are receiving insulin or taking medications that can reduce blood sugar should monitor blood glucose regularly. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Timolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

General: As with other topically applied eye drops, Timolol may be absorbed into the blood circulation. The same side effects reported with oral medications from the family known as beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol) may occur with the eye drops.

Heart failure: Beta blockers, such as timolol, can slow down the heart rate and may cause severely decreased blood pressure. These effects can make symptoms of heart failure worse. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Timolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.

People with heart failure should be carefully monitored by their doctors while using timolol eye drops.

Overactive Thyroid: Timolol may mask the signs of overactive thyroid, such as rapid heartbeat. If you have been told that you have an overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how Timolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Timolol has not been studied for use by pregnant women. Timolol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Timolol, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Timolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using timolol eye drops, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Timolol eye drops are not currently recommended for use by children.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.