Timoptic
® (
timolol maleate) products are prescription eye medications approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic
open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular
hypertension). It comes in the following different forms:
- Timoptic drops (in multi-dose bottles)
- Timoptic drops in Ocudose® (in single-use, preservative-free containers)
- Timoptic-XE gel-forming solution (which starts off as a drop but turns into a gel on the surface of the eye).
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name Timoptic is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Timoptic 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 the Drug
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is applied to the affected eye(s) once or twice a day, depending on the particular product.
- Timoptic drops (in the bottle or the Ocudose packaging) do not need to be shaken. However, it is important to shake Timolol-XE gel-forming drops once before each use.
- For Timoptic solution (in the multi-use bottle), you must remove your contact lenses before using the drops and wait 15 minutes to reinsert the lenses, as the lenses could absorb the preservative. This is not necessary for the Ocudose product, which does not contain a preservative.
- There are no specific instructions for contact lenses and Timoptic-XE gel-forming drops, but it is assumed that you should remove your lenses before using the product and wait 15 minutes to reinsert them.
- For Timoptic-XE gel forming drops, make sure to use any other eye drops at least 10 minutes before using this medication.
- Each Timoptic product is used slightly differently. Be sure to ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about exactly how to use your particular product.
- 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.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The dose that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular Timoptic product
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Timoptic. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects (most people actually tolerate it quite well). If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects with Timoptic include, but are not limited to:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Temporary blurred vision.
(Click Timoptic Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Potential Drug Interactions
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Timoptic?
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 exactly what to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to overdose on Timoptic, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Timoptic Be Stored?
Timoptic should be stored between 59 and 86° F, away from light. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. For Timoptic in Ocudose single-use containers, the medication must be used or discarded within one month once the outer foil packaging is opened.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not use your Timoptic 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.
Timoptic comes in the following strengths:
- Timoptic 0.25 percent drops (5 mL multi-dose bottles)
- Timoptic 0.5 percent drops (5 and 10 mL multi-dose bottles)
- Timoptic in Ocudose 0.25 percent drops (0.2 mL single-use containers)
- Timoptic in Ocudose 0.5 percent drops (0.2 mL single-use containers)
- Timoptic-XE 0.25 percent gel-forming drops (5 mL multi-dose bottles)
- Timoptic-XE 0.5 percent gel-forming drops (5 mL multi-dose bottles).
