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