Timolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 15, 2023.

Applies to timolol: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Timolol

Along with its needed effects, timolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking timolol:

More common

• Chest pain or discomfort
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual tiredness

Less common

• Difficult or labored breathing
• fast heartbeat
• tightness in chest
• wheezing

Rare

• Noisy breathing
• small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope
• swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking timolol:

Symptoms of overdose

• Blurred vision
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
• headache
• hearing loss
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• sweating

Other side effects of Timolol

Some side effects of timolol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Itching skin
• red, sore eyes

Rare

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• heartburn
• inability to have or keep an erection
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• nausea
• sensation of spinning
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to timolol: compounding powder, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac failure, hypotension, claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon, cold and cyanotic extremities, paranesthesia of the extremities, atrioventricular conduction disturbances

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, syncope, edema, second or third degree AV block, sinoatrial block, palpitations

Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrest, cerebral vascular accident, worsening of angina pectoris, worsening of arterial insufficiency, vasodilatation^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, pulmonary edema, bronchial obstruction

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchial spasm (especially in patients with bronchial asthma), rales

Frequency not reported: Cough^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash

Rare (less than 0.1%): Generalized psoriasis, hyperpigmented nailbeds

Frequency not reported: Skin irritation, increased skin pigmentation, alopecia (hair loss), hyperhidrosis, worsening of psoriasis, erythematous rashes^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, digestive disorders, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia

Frequency not reported: GI pain, vomiting^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, impotence, decreased libido^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, paresthesia

Frequency not reported: Local weakness, myasthenia gravis like symptoms^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Nightmares

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucinations

Frequency not reported: Depression, somnolence, nervousness, diminished concentration, psychoses, confusion, sleep disturbances^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Nonthrombocytopenic purpura^[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Hepatomegaly^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Weight loss, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, increased serum triglycerides, increased LDL cholesterol, increased VLDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Eye irritation

Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances, diplopia, ptosis, dry eyes, impaired vision^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue/tiredness, asthenia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinnitus

Frequency not reported: Pain in extremity, decreased exercise tolerance, fever^[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Retroperitoneal fibrosis^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer