Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Timolol

Timolol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Timolol?

Timolol is a prescription medicine belonging to the beta-blocker class of drugs that are used to treat ocular hypertension (increased intraocular pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It acts by blocking the beta receptors in cells, thereby reducing the blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood to the heart and eyes. It is available as eye drops and oral formulation (tablets). Eye drops are available in strengths of 0.25% and 0.50%.

What are the uses of Timolol?

  • Timolol ophthalmic formulation is used to treat ocular hypertension (increased eye pressure). It is also prescribed for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the eyes.
  • It is also indicated for other ocular disorders that are associated with increased eye pressure.
  • Oral timolol is used in the treatment of hypertension, chest pain related to insufficient blood supply to the heart, and migraines.

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    What are the side effects of Timolol?

    Common side effects

    • Eye itching
    • Eye pain
    • Eye burning
    • Blurred vision
    • Dry eyes
    • Watery eyes
    • Headache

    Severe side effects

    • Dizziness
    • Hypersensitivity
    • Hypotension
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Muscle weakness
    • Mood changes
    • Numbness/coldness in hands
    • Vision changes
    • Confusion
    • Trouble speaking

    The majority of the side effects associated with Timolol are self-limiting and resolve on their own, once the body is adapted. However, if the side effects persist or get worse, you should seek immediate medical care.

    What is Timolol

    Uses of Timolol

    Side effects of Timolol

    References

    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2387566/
    2. https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/12818Ptimolol.pdf
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6219332/
    4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/632930
    5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1444-0938.2010.00526.x
    6. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cricc/2015/714919/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Timolol

    Timolol eye drops should be stored at room temperature (around 25°C) for the best efficacy. Refrigeration per se is not required; however, if you are staying in high-temperature areas, then you may use the refrigerator to store timolol but do not store it in the freezer.

    Dorzolamide is another drug that is used to treat intraocular pressure and open-angle glaucoma. However, dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that acts by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme and reducing eye pressure. Timolol is a beta-blocker that inhibits beta receptors and reduces eye pressure.

    Timolol eye drops act by reducing eye pressure; however, they have the potential to reduce blood pressure and cause hypotension in a few individuals. A few cases of reduced blood pressure leading to orthostatic hypotension and syncope/fall have been reported. Consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of timolol.

    Usually, timolol is not associated with weight gain and there is limited data to support this. However, in a few cases of heart failure, water retention could occur, leading to weight gain. Inform your doctor, in case you experience weight gain following timolol use. Further, consult our experts for the best advice on the safe use of timolol.

    Timolol, like other beta-blockers, has the potential to affect blood glucose levels. Various cases of low glucose levels and hypoglycemia have been reported following the use of timolol. However, there is limited evidence to support raised blood sugar levels following timolol administration. Consult our medical doctors for more information on the use of timolol.

    Timolol is a beta-blocker drug that acts by inhibiting the beta-adrenoceptors present in the ciliary body of the eye. It reduces the intraocular pressure by inhibiting the production of the aqueous humor in the eye. Reduced production of aqueous humor leads to a drop in intraocular pressure.

    Timolol Topical solution/gel 0.5% should be applied on the entire surface of the hemangioma by putting 2-3 drops of it on your fingers. This should be done twice a day (morning and evening) after washing the surface of the hemangioma. Consult our doctors for the best medical advice on the use of timolol for hemangioma.

    Latanoprost is a drug that is a prodrug of prostaglandin F2 that is used to treat intraocular pressure and glaucoma. It is different from timolol in its class of drug and mechanism of action. However, both are prescribed for the same indications. Further, consult our experts for the treatment of ocular hypertension.

    Yes, timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. Timolol acts non-selectively by blocking the beta-adrenoreceptors and reducing the increased blood pressure and increased eye pressure. It was the first beta-blocker approved for the treatment of increased eye pressure. In a few cases, oral timolol is also used to treat hypertension like other beta-blockers.

    Timolol is not a steroid; rather, it is a beta-blocker drug that is used to treat increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and hypertension. Steroid drugs are known to have more serious side effects and are derivatives of the cholesterol molecule. Reach out to our expert doctors for the best advice on timolol use.

    There is limited data to support the use of timolol in pregnancy. It could lead to unwanted side effects in pregnant women and the baby, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before using timolol in pregnancy. Consult our team of expert doctors for the safe use of medications in pregnancy.