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Timoptic
(timolol eye drops)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Timoptic work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Timoptic?
- What form(s) does Timoptic come in?
- Who should NOT take Timoptic?
- What side effects are possible with Timoptic?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Timoptic?
- What other drugs could interact with Timoptic?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 00451207 | TIMOPTIC 0.5% OPH DROP |
How does Timoptic work? What will it do for me?
This medication is part of a family of medications called beta-blockers. Timolol eye drops are used to treat glaucoma and increased pressure in the eye. This medication works by reducing the production of fluid in the eye, thereby lowering the pressure in the eye. It may take up to 4 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 those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
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 each of the affected eye twice 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 a 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 using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Timoptic come in?
Each mL of clear, colourless to light yellow, sterile, isotonic, buffered, aqueous ophthalmic solution contains timolol maleate 6.8 mg equivalent to timolol 5 mg (0.5%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.01% (as a preservative), monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), and water for injection.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take Timoptic?
Timolol eye drops should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to the medication or to any ingredient of the medication
- is in overt heart failure or cardiogenic shock (shock due to heart-related causes)
- has an extremely slow heart rate or serious heart block
- has asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
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