Timolol Eye Solution

What is this medication?

TIMOLOL (TIM oh lol) treats glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic, Timoptic Ocudose, Timoptic Ocumeter

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart or blood vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or Raynaud's disease
• Lung disease like asthma or emphysema
• Thyroid disease
• Wear contact lenses
• An unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta blockers, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are using a unit dose container, use immediately after opening and throw away right after use. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Clonidine
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Medications for colds and breathing difficulties
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications for mental depression like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline
• Medications for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• Medications to control heart rhythm

Do not use other eye products with this medication without asking your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular exams. Ask your care team if you should continue to use this medication if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medication in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medication makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. After opening the foil wrap of unit dose eye drops (Ocudose), use within 1 month. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.