Timolol (Blocadren®) is a beta-blocker medicine that treats high blood pressure. People also take it after a heart attack or to prevent migraines. A liquid (topical) form of this medicine treats glaucoma and high blood pressure in your eyes. Timolol tablets lower your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump blood.
TIMOLOL (TIM oh lol) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to prevent further damage after a heart attack. It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It can also be used to prevent migraine headaches. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the brain that cause migraines. 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): Blocadren
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
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.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This medication may also interact with the following:
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.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact them.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may develop serious heart-related effects. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. 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.
Healthcare providers prescribe timolol tablets to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It can also improve your prognosis (outlook) after a heart attack by reducing the risk of sudden death or another heart attack. Timolol makes your heart rate lower and can improve chest pain.
Some people take timolol to prevent migraine headaches. You may use a liquid form of this medicine to treat high blood pressure in your eyes.
Yes, timolol is a beta-blocker medication. You can take it while taking other types of blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives), like diuretics.
Yes, timolol can have side effects, including:
Most side effects are mild and don’t last long.
Timolol lowers your blood pressure by interfering with a multistep process that makes your blood pressure rise.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be overwhelming to manage your high blood pressure or to think about what it means to survive a heart attack. Learn what you can about your condition and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking timolol. This is the time to ask questions so you can clarify anything that isn’t clear. Medicine can help you the most if you take it regularly and don’t stop taking it suddenly.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy