FAQs:
Timolol is a prescription medicine belonging to the beta-blocker class of drugs that are used to treat ocular hypertension (increased intraocular pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It acts by blocking the beta receptors in cells, thereby reducing the blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood to the heart and eyes. It is available as eye drops and oral formulation (tablets). Eye drops are available in strengths of 0.25% and 0.50%.
What are the uses of Timolol?
– Timolol ophthalmic formulation is used to treat ocular hypertension (increased eye pressure). It is also prescribed for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the eyes.
– It is also indicated for other ocular disorders that are associated with increased eye pressure.
– Oral timolol is used in the treatment of hypertension, chest pain related to insufficient blood supply to the heart, and migraines.
What are the side effects of Timolol?
Common side effects
– Eye itching
– Eye pain
– Eye burning
– Blurred vision
– Dry eyes
– Watery eyes
– Headache
Severe side effects
– Dizziness
– Hypersensitivity
– Hypotension
– Irregular heartbeat
– Muscle weakness
– Mood changes
– Numbness/coldness in hands
– Vision changes
– Confusion
– Trouble speaking
The majority of the side effects associated with Timolol are self-limiting and resolve on their own, once the body is adapted. However, if the side effects persist or get worse, you should seek immediate medical care.
1. Does timolol need to be refrigerated?
Timolol eye drops should be stored at room temperature (around 25°C) for the best efficacy. Refrigeration per se is not required; however, if you are staying in high-temperature areas, then you may use the refrigerator to store timolol but do not store it in the freezer.
2. What is the difference between dorzolamide and timolol?
Dorzolamide is another drug that is used to treat intraocular pressure and open-angle glaucoma. However, dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that acts by inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme and reducing eye pressure. Timolol is a beta-blocker that inhibits beta receptors and reduces eye pressure.
6. How does timolol reduce intraocular pressure?
Timolol is a beta-blocker drug that acts by inhibiting the beta-adrenoceptors present in the ciliary body of the eye. It reduces the intraocular pressure by inhibiting the production of the aqueous humor in the eye. Reduced production of aqueous humor leads to a drop in intraocular pressure.
9. Is timolol a beta-blocker?
Yes, timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. Timolol acts non-selectively by blocking the beta-adrenoreceptors and reducing the increased blood pressure and increased eye pressure. It was the first beta-blocker approved for the treatment of increased eye pressure. In a few cases, oral timolol is also used to treat hypertension like other beta-blockers.
10. Is timolol a steroid?
Timolol is not a steroid; rather, it is a beta-blocker drug that is used to treat increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and hypertension. Steroid drugs are known to have more serious side effects and are derivatives of the cholesterol molecule. Reach out to our expert doctors for the best advice on timolol use.
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Side Effects:
– Eye pain
– Eye burning
– Blurred vision
– Dry eyes
– Watery eyes
– Headache
– Dizziness
– Hypersensitivity
– Hypotension
– Irregular heartbeat
– Muscle weakness
– Mood changes
– Numbness/coldness in hands
– Vision changes
– Confusion
– Trouble speaking
References:
More about Timolol:
The majority of the side effects associated with Timolol are self-limiting and resolve on their own, once the body is adapted. However, if the side effects persist or get worse, you should seek immediate medical care.