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Timoptic

Generic name: timolol ophthalmicTIM-oh-lol-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 21, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Timoptic?

Timolol is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.

Timoptic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Timoptic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Timoptic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when timolol is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Call your doctor right away if you have:

Also call your doctor if you have:

Common side effects of Timoptic may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Timoptic if you have asthma or severe COPD, or a serious heart condition (such as "sick sinus syndrome," 2nd or 3rd degree "AV block," severe heart failure, or very slow heartbeats).

Side effects may occur if this medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Call your doctor right away if you have: chest pain, trouble breathing, slow heartbeats, muscle weakness, numbness or coldness in your hands or feet, unusual mood or behavior changes, or severe dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to timolol, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Timoptic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I use Timoptic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use Timoptic while wearing contact lenses. Timoptic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

It may take a few weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

If you need surgery, including eye surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Timoptic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep each single-use ampule inside its foil pouch until you are ready to use your dose.

A single-use ampule is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, headache, slow heartbeats, and trouble breathing.

What should I avoid while using Timoptic?

Timoptic may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

You may need to use other glaucoma medications in addition to Timoptic. Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Timoptic?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Timoptic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does Timoptic interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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