Timolol (Systemic)
Generic name: Timolol (systemic) [ TIM-oh-lol ]
Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 10, 2024.
Warning
- Do not stop taking timolol (systemic) all of a sudden. If you do, chest pain that is worse and in some cases heart attack may occur. The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. To avoid side effects, you will want to slowly stop timolol (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worse chest pain or if other heart problems occur.
Uses of Timolol:
- It is used to treat high blood pressure.
- It is used after a heart attack to help prevent future heart attacks and lengthen life.
- It is used to prevent migraine headaches.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Timolol?
- If you have an allergy to timolol or any other part of timolol (systemic).
- If you are allergic to timolol (systemic); any part of timolol (systemic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Asthma or other breathing problems like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- If you have any of these health problems: Heart block, shock caused by heart problems, or slow heartbeat.
- If you have heart failure (weak heart).
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with timolol (systemic).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take timolol (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Timolol?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take timolol (systemic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how timolol (systemic) affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- This medicine may hide the signs of low blood sugar. Talk with the doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
- If you are taking timolol (systemic) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- This medicine may make it harder to tell if you have signs of an overactive thyroid like fast heartbeat. If you have an overactive thyroid and stop taking timolol (systemic) all of a sudden, it may get worse and could be life-threatening. Talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using timolol (systemic) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Timolol) best taken?
Use timolol (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Keep taking timolol (systemic) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Related/similar drugs
Emgality, Ubrelvy, amlodipine, lisinopril, aspirin, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, ibuprofen, hydrochlorothiazide
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Slow heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Muscle weakness.
- Change in eyesight.
- Feeling cold.
What are some other side effects of Timolol?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Upset stomach.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Timolol?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about timolol (systemic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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