Timoptic

Common Name: timolol eye drops

How does Timoptic work?

Timolol eye drops are used for the treatment of glaucoma and increased pressure in the eye. This medication is part of a family of medications called beta-blockers. They work by reducing the production of fluid in the eye. This lowers the pressure in the eye. It may take up to four weeks for the eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye to a satisfactory level. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Timoptic?

The usual starting dose is one drop of timolol 0.25% solution in the affected eye(s) twice daily. If the response to the drops is not adequate, your doctor may change the dose to one drop of timolol 0.5% solution in the affected eye(s) twice daily. For Timoptic-XE®, the usual starting dose is one drop of the 0.25% solution in the affected eye(s) once daily. If the response to the drops is not adequate, your doctor may change the dose to one drop of the 0.5% solution in the affected eye(s) once daily. Before each use, invert the closed container and shake once. Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye or surrounding structures. Eye solutions, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause eye infections. Serious damage to the eye and loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions. If more than one type of eye drop is being used, the different eye drops should be administered at least 10 minutes apart. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Keep this medication at room temperature, away from light. The contents should not be used for more than one month after the date on which the container is first opened.

What form(s) does Timoptic come in?

Timoptic-XE® is available in strengths of 0.25% and 0.5%. Timoptic-XE: 0.25%: Each mL of sterile, colourless-to-nearly-colourless, slightly opalescent, slightly viscous, aqueous eye solution contains timolol 2.5 mg (0.25%) as timolol maleate . Timoptic-XE: 0.5%: Each mL of sterile, colourless-to-nearly-colourless, slightly opalescent, slightly viscous, aqueous eye solution contains timolol 5 mg (0.5%) as timolol maleate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzododecinium bromide, gellan gum, mannitol, tromethamine, and water for injection.

What should I NOT take with Timoptic?

This medication should not be used by anyone who: has asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis) is allergic to the medication or any ingredient of the eye drops has an extremely slow heart rate or serious heart block is in overt heart failure or cardiogenic shock (shock due to heart-related causes)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Timoptic?

General: As with other topically applied eye drops, this medication may be absorbed into the blood circulation. The same side effects reported with oral medications from the family known as beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, propranolol, metoprolol) may occur with the eye drops. Diabetes: Beta-blockers such as timolol may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). People with diabetes prone to hypoglycemia or who are receiving insulin or hypoglycemic medications should monitor blood glucose regularly. Contact lenses: There are preservatives present in both formulations of timolol eye drops. These preservatives may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. For timolol eye drops, lenses should be removed before application of the drops and not re-inserted earlier than 15 minutes after use. For Timoptic-XE, check with your doctor for instructions about contact lenses. Heart failure: People with heart failure should be carefully monitored by their doctors while using timolol eye drops. Overactive thyroid: Timolol may mask the signs of overactive thyroid. People who have this condition or are prone to developing it should be carefully monitored by their doctors. Pregnancy: Timolol has not been studied for use by pregnant women. Its use during pregnancy requires that the anticipated benefit outweigh the possible risks. Breast-feeding: Timolol appears in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medication, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Children: Timolol eye drops are not currently recommended for use by children.