Timolol may be used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
It can help prevent and reduce the risks of complications in individuals who previously had a heart attack.
This medicine may also be used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and prevent migraine headaches (severe throbbing or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
Timolol may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Timolol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Timolol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take 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 under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take 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), uncontrolled heart failure, slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with the heart's natural pacemaker)
- low blood pressure
- Prinzmetal's angina (a rare type of chest pain that occurs when a person is at rest)
- current or history of asthma
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- severe blood vessel problems
- Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
- untreated phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour in the adrenal glands causing high blood pressure)
- metabolic acidosis (a condition wherein there is excessive acid in the blood)
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
- problems in the cornea (outermost clear layer of the eye)
- 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
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Timolol to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure and heart or pulse rates may be needed while you are being treated with Timolol.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises, such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
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, drowsiness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, muscle or joint pain, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of asthma e.g. wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
- new or worsening chest pain, slow, irregular or abnormal heartbeat, fainting
- feeling cold in your hands and feet
- muscle or limb weakness
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
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. indometacin, ibuprofen
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- ergotamine (medicine for migraine)
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 in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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