Timoptic

The active ingredient in Timoptic is timolol maleate, which is a beta-blocker. It reduces the volume of fluid in the eye. Eye pressure decreases as the amount of fluid within the eye decreases.

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 Timoptic. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Timoptic:

• Timoptic should not be used when wearing contact lenses. Soft contact lenses may become discolored by a preservative found in Timoptic. Before putting in your contact lenses, wait at least fifteen minutes after taking this medication.
• Before using the eye drops, wash your hands.
• How to use the eye drops:
• To make a tiny pocket, pull down your lower eyelid and tilt your head back a little. With the tip down, hold the dropper above the eye. Squeeze out a drop while looking up and away from the dropper.
• Keep your head tipped down and close your eyes for two or three minutes without squinting or blinking. To prevent the fluid from leaking into your tear duct, gently press your finger to the inside corner of your eye for approximately one minute.
• Don't use more drops than your doctor has prescribed. Wait roughly five minutes between drops if you use more than one.
• Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has ordered, wait at least ten minutes.
• Avoid putting the eye dropper directly on your eye or touching its tip to prevent contamination and eye infections.
• If the liquid has changed color or contains particles, do not use the eye drops. For new medications, give your pharmacist a call.
• Inform the surgeon that you are taking Timoptic in advance if you require surgery, especially eye surgery. For a brief while, you might need to cease taking the medication.
• You shouldn't abruptly stop taking this medication. When it comes to tapering your dosage, heed your doctor's advice.

The most common side effects of Timoptic include:

• Burning or stinging in the eye after using.
• Red eyes.
• Eye pain.
• Headaches.
• Blurred vision or other vision changes.

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

• Breathing problems include tightness in the chest, chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Breathlessness, exhaustion, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet are symptoms of heart failure.
• Allergic reactions include swelling, hives, throat closure, and rash around the eyes or cheeks.
• May cover up some of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as a fast heartbeat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Timoptic. 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 Timoptic, 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 whether you have:

• Serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Serious heart failure.
• Second- or third-degree heart block, or sinus bradycardia (low heart rate)
• Irregular heartbeats that made you faint.
• Circulation issues, a blood clot, or a stroke.
• Trouble breathing.
• Diabetes.
• Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid levels).
• Angle-closure glaucoma.
• Myasthenia gravis, which causes serious muscle weakness.

• Asthma.
• Extreme COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The slow heartbeat is known as sinus bradycardia.
• Heart block of the second or third degree.
• Heart failure.
• Cardiogenic shock.

A few weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Let your provider know if your symptoms have not improved after a month of treatment.

When Timoptic 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. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Any additional beta-blocker eye drug, such as metipranolol, levobunolol, betaxolol, or carteolol.
• Atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, and other beta-blockers.
• Amiodarone, clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and other cardiac or blood pressure drugs.

Usually, one drop of timolol maleate ophthalmic solution is applied twice a day to the affected eye or eyes.

Your dose may be reduced to one drop in the afflicted eye or eyes once daily if your ocular pressure decreases and remains low.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Store at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight, heat, moisture, and out of reach of children. Avoid freezing. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly closed. Until you are ready to take your medication, keep each single-use ampule in its foil pouch.

A single-use ampule is only intended for one use. Even if there is still medication inside, discard it after one use.

Merck Inc. is the company that manufactures Timoptic.

Yes, there are several generic versions available.

Never stop taking Timoptic without first consulting your physician. Stopping it abruptly can cause your symptoms to worsen.

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.

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.