Indications & Uses
Timolol is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Timolol Maleate belongs to a class of medicines called beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents. It works by lowering raised pressure inside the eye, whether or not that pressure is linked to glaucoma. This effect usually begins fairly quickly, within about 20 minutes of putting the drops in the eye, and reaches its full effect within one to two hours. With Timolol 0.25% or 0.50%, a meaningful reduction in eye pressure can be maintained for as long as 24 hours. Unlike miotic drugs, Timolol has virtually no effect on the size of the pupil, and it has not been found to affect visual acuity.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The usual starting dose is one drop of 0.25% Timolol in the affected eye twice a day. If the response is not adequate, the dose may be changed to one drop of the 0.50% solution in the affected eye twice a day. In some patients, the pressure-lowering effect of Timolol may take a few weeks to stabilise, so evaluation should include measuring intraocular pressure after approximately 4 weeks of treatment with Timolol. If the intraocular pressure is maintained at a satisfactory level, the dosing schedule may be changed to one drop once a day.
Use in children: Clinical studies in children have not been conducted. Timolol Maleate is not recommended in premature babies and newborns.
Side Effects
Timodrop ophthalmic solution is generally well tolerated. In clinical studies of Timodrop, the adverse reactions reported were mainly as follows. Ocular: symptoms of ocular irritation, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, and visual disturbances, including refractive changes (in some cases due to withdrawal of miotic therapy). Cardiovascular: bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, syncope, heart block, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischaemia, congestive heart failure, palpitation, and cardiac arrest. Respiratory: bronchospasm, respiratory failure, and dyspnoea. Systemic: headache, nausea, dizziness, depression, and fatigue.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Use with care in patients with inadequate cardiac function, diabetes mellitus (DM), myasthenia gravis, cerebrovascular insufficiency, or a history of atopy. Avoid stopping the medicine abruptly, as this may worsen angina symptoms or precipitate myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with coronary artery disease, or precipitate a thyroid crisis in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Caution is also needed in patients undergoing major surgery. Timolol may mask the signs of hyperthyroidism and hypoglycaemia. The ophthalmic solution should not be used on its own (as monotherapy) for angle-closure glaucoma. Use with care in renal and hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
Timolol Maleate must not be used in patients who are known to be hypersensitive to any ingredient of the formulation. It is also strictly contraindicated in bronchial asthma, bronchospasm or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, uncontrolled congestive cardiac insufficiency, cardiogenic shock, high-grade atrioventricular block and marked bradycardia (pulse rate below 45 to 50 beats per minute). Like other eye drops, Timolol Maleate may be absorbed into the bloodstream and produce the systemic effects of beta-blockers. Cardiac insufficiency should therefore be brought under adequate control before treatment with Timolol Maleate is started. In patients with a history of severe heart disease, and in elderly patients, signs of cardiac insufficiency should be watched for and the pulse rate checked. Patients who are already taking an oral beta-blocker and are then given Timolol Maleate should be observed for a possible additive effect, either on intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta-blockers. Although Timolol Maleate is well tolerated in glaucoma patients who wear contact lenses, and in aphakic patients, contact lens wear should be avoided. This is because beta-blockers reduce tear secretion and some components of the drug may be absorbed onto the lens.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Timolol Maleate has not yet been studied in pregnant women.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Use Timolol Maleate within 30 days of first opening the bottle. Store it at 15°-25°C and protect it from light. Close the bottle tightly straight after each use, and keep it out of reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Timolol 5 %
What is Timolol 5 % Eye Drops?
Timolol 5 % Eye Drops is a medicine that contains Timolol Maleate. It is made by JR Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs for miotics and glaucoma group of medicines.
What is Timolol used for?
Timolol is used for: Hypertension, Glaucoma.
What are the side effects of Timolol?
Timodrop ophthalmic solution is generally well tolerated. In clinical studies of Timodrop, the adverse reactions reported were mainly as follows.
Can I take Timolol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Timolol Maleate has not yet been studied in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Timolol?
Use Timolol Maleate within 30 days of first opening the bottle. Store it at 15°-25°C and protect it from light.
Can I take other medicines with Timolol?
Some medicines can interact with Timolol Maleate, for example: Adrenaline, Melatonin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Timolol?
Timolol is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.