Timolol
Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.
Popular brand names:
Glaucosan, Timoptol
Popular combinations:
[ophthalmic] Azarga, Combigan, Cosopt, DuoTrav, Ganfort, Glaumide-co, Glauopt-co, Xalacom
[tablets] Servatrin
Drug group:
Beta blocker, drug for glaucoma
Prescription needed?
Yes
What does it do?
Timolol is a non-cardioselective beta blocker used in the treatment of:
- Glaucoma - eye drops used commonly
- Angina – sometimes prescribed after a heart attack to prevent further damage to the heart
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) -not usually used to initiate treatment
- Migraine - occasionally given to prevent attacks
What is the typical dosage?
Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:
- [eye drops] glaucoma: 1–3 x daily
- [tablets] angina/hypertension: 10–60mg daily; after a heart attack: 10–20mg daily; migraine prevention: 10–20mg daily
How quickly will it start to work?
Tablets within 30 minutes; eye drops 15–20 minutes
How long will the effects last?
Up to 24 hours
When should I stop using it?
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor
Is it safe for prolonged use?
No problems expected
What are the possible side effects?
The following have been reported with timolol tablets:
- More common: lethargy, fatigue, cold hands and feet
- Less common: nausea, vomiting, vivid dreams, nightmares, rash, dry eyes, visual disturbances
- Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: All systemic side effects, fainting, palpitations, breathlessness, wheezing
The following have been reported with timolol eye drops:
- More common: irritation of the eyes (report if severe)
- Less common: systemic side effects (as with tablets)
Timolol can occasionally cause breathing difficulties - especially in people with respiratory diseases. Timolol can mask the body’s response to low blood sugar - used with caution in diabetics on insulin.
What other considerations are important?
Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.
- Certain health problems: heart/kidney/liver problems, lung disorders (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), diabetes, psoriasis
- Other medicines: calcium channel blockers, cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin), antihypertensive drugs, drugs for asthma (e.g. salbutamol, salmeterol)
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety in pregnancy not established, normal doses unlikely to affect the breastfeeding baby
- Children: Not usually prescribed
- Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
- Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the tablets can cause dizziness or fatigue, and the eye drops may cause blurred vision
- Alcohol: Avoid excessive intake, enhanced blood-pressure-lowering effects
- Surgery and general anaesthetics: Timolol eye drops may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic, discuss with your doctor
Disclaimer:
MedSquirrel is a shared knowledge, collective intelligence digital platform developed to share medical knowledge between doctors and patients. If you are a healthcare practitioner, we invite you to criticise, contribute or help improve our content. We support collaboration among all members of the healthcare profession since we strive for the provision of world-class, peer-reviewed, accurate and transparent medical information.
MedSquirrel should not be used for diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Always refer any questions about diagnosis, treatment or prescription to your Doctor.