Betimol
® (
timolol) is a medication approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic
open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular
hypertension). It comes in the form of an eye drop that is generally applied to the affected eye once or twice a day. The eye drops are available by prescription only and come in two strengths.
Betimol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as
beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Beta blockers lower eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
As with any medicine, Betimol can cause side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and easy to treat. Some of the most common side effects of Betimol include:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Dry eyes.
(Click Betimol for more information on how to use the eye drops, to learn about Betimol's warnings, and to find out what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before using this medicine.)
