Timolol is used to help treat increased pressure in the eye in certain eye problems.
Use Timolol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution, gel-forming eye drop solution, or single-dose eye gel.
To use the eye drop solution or single-dose eye gel:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops or gel.
- Shake the bottle well before using.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil one drop of Timolol inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds. You may gently press a finger into the corner of your eye by the nose for 2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of this medicine into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
To use the gel-forming eye drop solution:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the gel-forming eye drops.
- Invert the closed bottle and shake once before using it. It is not necessary to shake the bottle more than once.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil one drop of Timolol inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds. You may gently press a finger into the corner of your eye by the nose for 2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of this medicine into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap it immediately after use. If the eye drop container becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Timolol, wait for at least 5-10 minutes before using the other medicine.
Do not share your medicine with anyone else.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- serious heart problems e.g. heart block (2nd or 3rd degree), heart failure, slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with the heart's natural pacemaker)
- current or history of asthma
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour in the adrenal glands causing high blood pressure)
- eye problem that causes changes in the cornea (outermost clear layer of the eye)
as Timolol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other heart problems e.g. heart block (1st degree), narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart
- diabetes
- mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- current or history of breathing problems
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- muscle weakness disorder
- other corneal problems
- history of severe allergic reaction to allergens
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that causes itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- thyroid problems
- low blood pressure
- Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- severe blood vessel problems
- Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Timolol.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly to monitor the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Timolol may cause dizziness, tiredness, or some problems with your eyesight such as blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, muscle pain, and signs of eye irritation such as burning or stinging sensation, tearing, redness or itchiness.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, verapamil, diltiazem, reserpine, nifedipine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, digoxin, amiodarone
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Timolol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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