Tiopex

The active ingredient in Tiopex is timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Beta-blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing pressure in the eye.

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

1. Wash your hands before and after each use.

2. Remove one single-use container from the sachet, and return the rest.

3. Shake the container well and open downwards.

4. Do not allow the tip to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contamination. Warm the ointment tube between your hands before use.

5. To apply the ointment, tilt your head up and pull down on your lower eyelid of the affected eye while looking up and leaning your head back. Then apply one drop into the bottom lid of your eye.

6. Following administration, close your eyes gently and hold pressure on your tear duct (inner corner of your eye, by your nose) for two minutes. Then repeat for the other eye if needed.

7. Wipe any extra ointment from your eye with a tissue, and wipe the tube clean before closing it.

8. If you use more than one eye gel or drop, wait at least 5 minutes between administrations.

9. It is recommended to apply the gel in the evening due to side effects (blurred vision) and increased contact time during sleep.

10. Discard the container after use.

11. This medication may mask the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more regularly if you are diabetic.

12. The other containers in the sachet should be used within one month of opening the sachet.

Some mild or common side effects of Tiopex include:

• Temporary blurred vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Eye burning or stinging.
• Eye redness or irritation.

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

• Eye infections may present as eye discharge, swelling, irritation, and pain. This is more likely if you allow the dropper tip to touch your eye or other non-clean surfaces.
• Heart problems, including irregular heartbeat.
• Worsening heart failure 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 (anaphylaxis).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tiopex. 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 Tiopex, 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:

• Raynaud’s syndrome.
• Diabetes.
• An upcoming eye surgery.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• History of stroke.
• Muscle weakness disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
• You wear contact lenses. There is a risk of intolerance to contact lenses due to decreased tear production.

• Angle-closure glaucoma.
• 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 (sinus bradycardia).
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to timolol or the inactive ingredients: sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, carbomer 974P, sodium acetate trihydrate, or lysine monohydrate.

Within a few days of use, you should notice the timolol eye gel start to work.

When Tiopex 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.

• Oral beta-adrenergic inhibitors, when combined with these eye drops, may increase the effects of both medications.
• Certain antidepressants, and the drug quinidine, may increase the effect of timolol on blood pressure.
• Withdrawal from clonidine may be worsened by the use of timolol.
• Epinephrine may not be as effective in treating allergic reactions when you are taking timolol.

Brand-name Tiopex is supplied as single-dose containers in sachets, each containing 1mg/g eye gel.

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

It is manufactured by Thea Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, and it is also sold as timolol eye drops under the name Timoptol or Timoptic.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or as directed by a physician, you should not discontinue this medication suddenly. It needs to be tapered off gradually to avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

Timolol eye gel can cause a low heart rate in a growing fetus, and the minimum effective dose should be used if treating glaucoma during pregnancy.

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.

Studies show that exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse events in a newborn. 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 breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.