Timolol Tablets

What is this medication?

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

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

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

• Chest pain or angina
• Diabetes
• Heart or vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or Raynaud's disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• 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?

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.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Medications used to treat allergic reactions like epinephrine
• NSAIDs, medications for pain or inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

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 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.

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
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

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

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

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 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.

What is timolol used for?

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.

Is timolol a beta-blocker?

Yes, timolol is a beta-blocker medication. You can take it while taking other types of blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives), like diuretics.

Does timolol have any side effects?

Yes, timolol can have side effects, including:

• Fatigue.
• Headache.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Dizziness.
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
• Pruritus (itching).
• Hair loss.

Most side effects are mild and don’t last long.

What does timolol do to blood pressure?

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.