Timolol (Into the eye)

Timolol (TIM-oh-lol)

Treats glaucoma. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic Ocumeter Plus, Timoptic in Ocudose, Timoptic-XE Ocumeter Plus

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have asthma or if you have had an allergic reaction to timolol or other beta-blocker medicines, such as betaxolol (Betoptic®) or levobunolol (Betagan®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel-Forming Solution, Liquid, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
Shake the regular eye drops well just before each use. If you are using the gel-forming eye drops, turn the bottle upside down and shake it one time. You do not need to shake the gel-forming eye drops more than once.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eye. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute.
Do not rinse or wipe the bottle, and do not allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you have emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, a thyroid disorder, or diabetes before using this medicine.
This medicine may decrease or increase the level of sugar in the blood and cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Chest pain.
Severe eye irritation or inflammation.
Slow or irregular heartbeat.
Wheezing or difficulty breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion.
Eye that is sensitive to light.
Red, itching or watery eye.
Stinging or burning of the eye.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017