Blocadren Side Effects
Generic name: timolol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 21, 2025.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Blocadren.
Applies to timolol: oral tablet Side Effects associated with timolol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Blocadren.
Applies to timolol: oral tablet.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects .
Timolol may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort; dilated neck veins; extreme fatigue; irregular breathing; an irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs; weight gain; or wheezing .
This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid pulse rate. Check with your doctor if you have these problems or if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests .
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery .
Serious side effects of Blocadren
Along with its needed effects, timolol (the active ingredient contained in Blocadren) 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 side effects
- chest pain or discomfort
- lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- shortness of breath
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
Less common side effects
- difficult or labored breathing
- fast heartbeat
- tightness in chest
- wheezing
Rare side effects
- 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 Blocadren
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 side effects
- itching skin
- red, sore eyes
Rare side effects
- 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 adverse events
- 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, 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]
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Qulipta
Qulipta is used to help prevent episodic or chronic migraine headaches in adults. Qulipta is an ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Lasix
Lasix is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention from heart, liver, or kidney conditions, and ...
Aspirin
Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever or inflammation. Learn about ...
Metoprolol
Metoprolol is used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Learn about ...
Losartan
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of ...
Lisinopril
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure ...
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
3. (2016) "Product Information. Timolol Maleate (timolol)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
More about Blocadren (timolol)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: non-cardioselective beta blockers
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Blocadren side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.