Blocadren

The active ingredient is timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (beta blocker). It works by reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels, therefore reducing blood pressure and stress on your heart.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Blocadren. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Blocadren:

Those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more regularly, as this medication can mask the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery, in case you experience dizziness.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as this can increase the side effects of drowsiness or lightheadedness.

Blocadren should not be discontinued suddenly, as this has been known to cause hypersensitivity to future beta-adrenergic therapy, worsening angina, and heart attacks.

The most common side effects of Blocadren include:

• Lightheadedness.
• Cold extremities.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle weakness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Blocadren. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart problems including irregular heartbeat.
• Worsening heart failure (heart failure exacerbation) symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), rapid weight gain, fatigue, and fluid retention (swelling in the legs).
• Acute bronchospasm, which would feel like chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of timolol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Blocadren, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Diabetes.
• An upcoming surgery.
• Overactive thyroid.

• Treatment of acute migraine headaches.
• Lung problems such as allergic rhinitis, bronchospasm, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Heart disease including congestive heart failure, heart block, or slow heartbeat (bradycardia).
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to timolol.

For hypertension, it may take a few days to see the full effect. For migraines, it may take several weeks to work.

When Blocadren is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects.

• Beta-adrenergic agonist inhalers (bronchodilators) such as albuterol may not work as well when you are taking beta-blockers.
• Medications used for diabetes may be less effective when used with timolol.
• Pseudoephedrine, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and stimulants such as Adderall and caffeine can raise your blood pressure and counteract the effects of timolol.
• Epinephrine may not be as effective in treating allergic reactions when you are taking timolol.

Brand-name Blocadren is supplied as 5, 10, or 20mg tablets.

It should be stored at room temperature away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Merck.

Yes, it is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or as directed by a physician, you should not discontinue this medication suddenly. Blocadren should not be discontinued suddenly, as this has been known to cause hypersensitivity to future beta-adrenergic therapy, worsening angina, and heart attacks.

Studies show that exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse events in a newborn. For gestational hypertension, timolol is not the agent of choice. If the use of timolol is indicated, newborns should be monitored for bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Caution is recommended when using timolol during breastfeeding, as it does pass into human milk. Other agents are recommended when treating hypertension in nursing patients. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.