Istalol
® (
timolol maleate) is a prescription eye drop approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic
open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular
hypertension). It is different from other timolol eye medications because it is a unique formulation that is better absorbed into the eye, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Who Makes This Medication?
Istalol is made by Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is marketed and distributed by ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Istalol 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 the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
When and How to Take Istalol
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in the affected eye(s) once a day in the morning.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- If you wear soft contact lenses, you must remove them before using Istalol. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this medication. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Istalol can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects of Istalol include, but are not limited to:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Blurred vision.
(Click Istalol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Istalol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to overdose on this product, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Istalol Be Stored?
Istalol should be stored between 59° F and 77° F, away from light. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Istalol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Istalol comes in one strength -- Istalol 0.5 percent drops (available in 2.5 mL or 5 mL bottles).
Generic Availability of Istalol
