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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Timoptic and Equivalent

Timoptic Information

Timoptic (Timolol Maleate) is a beta-blocker ophthalmic solution used to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. These eye conditions are characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and potentially result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Timoptic works by reducing the production of aqueous humour, the fluid naturally produced within the eye, thereby decreasing the pressure. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications to control eye pressure.

Timoptic Side Effects

The most common side effects of Timoptic may include blurred vision, burning or stinging sensations in the eye, dry eyes, headache, eye itching, eye redness, nausea, mild dizziness, and paresthesia (tingling or numbness in the hands or feet). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Bronchospasm (wheezing or difficulty breathing, especially in patients with asthma or COPD)
• Chest pain
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Depression
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Eye irritation or pain that worsens
• Fainting
• Heart failure (e.g., swelling of ankles or feet, shortness of breath, unusual weight gain)
• Irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias
• Mental or mood changes, hallucinations, confusion
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Severe eye pain or redness
• Sudden vision changes
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Timoptic Precautions

Do not use Timoptic if you are allergic to Timolol Maleate or other ingredients in this medication. Do not use Timoptic if you have certain pre-existing heart conditions such as sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, overt cardiac failure, or cardiogenic shock. It is also contraindicated in individuals with bronchial asthma, a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the risk of bronchospasm. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have diabetes (Timoptic can mask symptoms of low blood sugar), hyperthyroidism (Timoptic can mask signs of an overactive thyroid), muscle weakness (e.g., myasthenia gravis), kidney disease, liver disease, poor circulation (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon), or pheochromocytoma. Also, inform your doctor if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, as beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine used to treat such reactions. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Timoptic and other medications, such as oral beta-blockers (increased risk of systemic side effects), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), catecholamine-depleting drugs (e.g., reserpine), digitalis, quinidine, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can lead to additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Timoptic. While topical ophthalmic administration generally results in lower systemic absorption compared to oral use, Timoptic should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Timoptic. Timolol can pass into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the nursing infant; therefore, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before using this medicine in children, as safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling Timoptic and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Timoptic comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops). Wash your hands thoroughly before administering eye drops. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. After instillation, gently close your eye for a moment and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) for about one to two minutes. This helps prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct and being absorbed systemically, which can reduce the likelihood of side effects. If you are using other eye medications, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications. Do not stop using Timoptic without talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, as discontinuing treatment can lead to increased eye pressure and potential vision damage. Your doctor may perform regular eye exams and monitor your IOP while you are using this medication. Store Timoptic at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Timoptic?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Timoptic.