BETIMOL (Timolol Ophthalmic)

Ophthalmologist Carolina Valdivia, MD discusses Betimol (Timolol ophthalmic), a medication used in the treatment of glaucoma and eye pressure problems.

What is Timolol ophthalmic?

Timolol maleate is the generic name for Betimol, an eye drop (ophthalmic solution) developed for the treatment of elevated eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. You should exercise care in using Timolol ophthalmic solution. It is important not to contaminate the solution, as this can cause eye infections. Betimol

If you are using another eye drop in addition to Timolol ophthalmic solution, administration of the medicines should be spaced at least ten minutes apart to provide adequate time for absorption.

Timolol ophthalmic is sold under the brand name Timoptic XE® in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Peru.

Timolol ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, away from bright light, and out of the reach of children.

Eye surgery may require discontinuation of Timolol eye drops.

Who should not take Betimol?

Timolol ophthalmic is taken to control eye pressure problems associated with glaucoma. However, you may have other health conditions as well. Do not use Timolol eye drops if you have been diagnosed with heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sinus bradycardia, heart block (2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block), bronchial asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Betimol often must be temporarily discontinued for patients that have suffered eye injuries or who have eye infections.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose?

It is important to inform your ophthalmologist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications that you are taking before beginning treatment. Additionally, share your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Notify your doctor about previous eye infections, history of glaucoma or eye pressure problems, and diabetes.

What is the usual dosage for Timolol eye drops?

The information that I present below is based on the dosage guidelines from the manufacturer. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage of Timolol eye drops or stop taking your medication without your doctor's knowledge.

The usual starting dose is one drop (0.25%) in the affected eye twice daily. Your doctor may choose to increase the dosage to one drop of (0.5%) in the affected eye twice daily if your eye pressure problems persist.

You should shake Timolol eye drops well before use. Prior to administration, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent contaminating the solution, which can lead to eye infections. Remove the cap and position yourself with your head tilted back. Gently pull your lower eye lid with your index finger and administer the drops in each eye without touching the eye or eyelid with the tip of the applicator.

After administration of a drop, blink a few times and remove any excess liquid with a clean tissue. Repeat this process for the other eye and wash your hands. If more than one type of eye drop is being used, the drugs need to be spaced out by at least ten minutes.

Avoid allowing the tip of the applicator to contact your eye, finger, or any other surface in order to avoid contamination of the product. Contamination may lead to serious eye infections.

You may wear contact lenses five minutes after administration.

For additional information, refer to Guidelines for Taking Eye Drops.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Betimol?

If Timolol ophthalmic is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or otherwise altered. It is particularly important to check with your doctor before combining Betimol with any of the the following medications.

Apha blockers, such as prazosin and terazosin
Anti-diabetes drugs, such as insulin and metformin
Beta blockers, such as metoprolol
Beta agonists, such as albuterol
Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil and diltiazem
Digoxin
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects associated with Timolol eye drops cannot be predicted in advance. If you experience any problems or of they change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug. On the other hand, discontinuing this medication on your own could result in eye pressure problems, which can lead to optic nerve damage.

Side effects reported by some patients include.

Blurred vision
Bitter taste in the mouth
Dry eyes
Headache
Discharge from the eyes
Eye pain
Burning of the eyes
Light sensitivity
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Dizziness

Although not technically a medication side effect, eye infections arising from improper administration of Timolol ophthalmic potentially can result in serious damage to the eye.

Can I take Betimol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Betimol on pregnancy are unknown. To be safe, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend on being pregnant while taking this medication.

The effects of Betimol during breastfeeding show potential harm to the baby. Use of this medication should be discontinued under the supervision of your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Betimol?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip it and resume your scheduled dose. Do not double your dose.

REFERENCE:

Sweetman SC. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference, 36th Ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2009:1412-1413.

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My goal in providing information about medications is to give you a starting point for having an informed conversation with your doctor. However, under no circumstances should the information presented here be used as a substitute for an ongoing consultation with your doctor. Since I have not examined you, I only can speak in terms of generalities, whereas your doctor has sufficient clinical details to evaluate your case specifically and prescribe appropriate treatment.

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