DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Timolol

March 21, 2017

Timolol Hemihydrate Ophthalmic drops, solution

What is this medicine?

TIMOLOL (TYE moe lole) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • heart or blood vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

  • lung disease like asthma or emphysema

  • thyroid disease

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are using a unit dose container, use immediately after opening and throw away right after use. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • clonidine

  • medicines for high blood pressure

  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

  • medicines for diabetes

  • medicines for mental depression like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines to control heart rhythm

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • changes in blood sugar

  • cold hands or feet

  • confusion, hallucinations

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • difficulty sleeping, nightmares

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

  • skin rash, itching, peeling skin

  • slow heart rate

  • swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • blurred vision

  • burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids

  • increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. After opening the foil wrap of unit dose eye drops (Ocudose), use within 1 month. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic drops, solution

What is this medicine?

TIMOLOL (TYE moe lole) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • heart or blood vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

  • lung disease like asthma or emphysema

  • thyroid disease

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are using a unit dose container, use immediately after opening and throw away right after use. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • clonidine

  • medicines for high blood pressure

  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

  • medicines for diabetes

  • medicines for mental depression like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines to control heart rhythm

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • changes in blood sugar

  • cold hands or feet

  • confusion, hallucinations

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • difficulty sleeping, nightmares

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

  • skin rash, itching, peeling skin

  • slow heart rate

  • swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • blurred vision

  • burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids

  • increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. After opening the foil wrap of unit dose eye drops (Ocudose), use within 1 month. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic gel forming solution

What is this medicine?

TIMOLOL (TIM oh lol) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • heart or blood vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

  • lung disease like asthma or emphysema

  • thyroid disease

  • wear contact lenses

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Turn the container upside down once to shake the contents before use. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • clonidine

  • medicines for high blood pressure

  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

  • medicines for diabetes

  • medicines for mental depression like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines to control heart rhythm

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • changes in blood sugar

  • cold hands or feet

  • confusion, hallucinations

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • difficulty sleeping, nightmares

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

  • skin rash, itching, peeling skin

  • slow heart rate

  • swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • blurred vision

  • burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids

  • increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Timolol Maleate Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

TIMOLOL (TYE moe lole) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be helpful after a heart attack and is used to prevent migraine headaches.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • chest pain or angina

  • diabetes

  • heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

  • pheochromocytoma

  • thyroid disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

  • medicines used to treat allergic reactions like epinephrine

  • NSAIDs, medicines for pain or inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • cold hands or feet

  • confusion, hallucinations

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing

  • difficulty sleeping, nightmares

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

  • skin rash, itching, peeling skin

  • slow heart rate

  • swelling of the legs or ankles

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • dark colored skin

  • diarrhea

  • dry sore eyes

  • hair loss

  • nausea

  • weakness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert