Timolol (TIM-oh-lol)

Treats increased pressure in the eye that is caused by glaucoma or ocular (eye) hypertension. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic Ocumeter Plus, Timoptic in Ocudose, Timoptic-XE Ocumeter Plus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel-Forming Solution, Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the regular eye drops well just before each use. If you are using the gel-forming eye drops, turn the bottle upside down and shake it one time. You do not need to shake the gel-forming eye drops more than once.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the medicine immediately after opening and throw away any unused medicine after use.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using a beta-blocker medicine that is taken by the mouth.
• Some medicines can affect how timolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Clonidine, digoxin, quinidine, reserpine
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat depression

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, severe COPD, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, slow heartbeat, stroke, myasthenia gravis, thyroid problems, or a history of asthma.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Severe eye irritation or inflammation
• Slow or uneven heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Double vision, drooping of upper eyelids
• Eye that is sensitive to light
• Muscle weakness
• Red, itching or watery eye
• Stinging or burning of the eye

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088