Timolol Maleate is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This medication works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. Timolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-blockers
Ophthalmic timolol comes as a solution (liquid) and an extended-release (long-acting) gel-forming solution (liquid that thickens to a gel when instilled in the eye). Timolol eye drops are usuallyinstilled once or twice a day, at evenly spaced intervals, until pressure in the eye is controlled (about 4 weeks). Then it may be instilled once a day. Timolol gel-forming solution is usually instilled once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use timolol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Timolol eye drops and gel-forming solution control glaucoma but do not cure it. Continue to use timolol even if you feel well. Do not stop using the medication without talking to your doctor.
Timolol eye drops or gel-forming solution may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
eye irritation
double vision
headache
depression
dizziness
nausea
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using timolol and call your doctor immediately:
slow or irregular heartbeat
difficulty breathing
sudden weight gain
swelling of the feet or lower legs
fainting
It must be kept at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: oral beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), clonidine, certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs such as fluoxetine), digoxin, epinephrine, fingolimod, methyldopa, quinidine, reserpine.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cant be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing or slow/irregular heartbeat.