Timolol

Where is Timolol used?

Timolol is used for the treatment of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. This is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Timolol is a medicine called a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent that decreases the amount of fluid within the eye. 

How does Timolol work?

Timolol works by blocking beta-receptors in the eye which lowers the pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball. The pressure within the eyeball is naturally maintained by a continuous flow of liquid called aqueous humor through the eyeball. Aqueous humor is produced by a part of the eye called the ciliary body and it drains out of the eyeball through channels called the trabecular meshwork. If the outflow of aqueous humor is blocked, the aqueous humor builds up inside the eye. It increases as well as the pressure within the eyeball. This pressure needs to be reduced, as otherwise it can damage the optic nerve and impair vision.

This medication blocks beta-receptors that are found on the ciliary body. This lessens the amount of aqueous humor that is secreted into the eyeball by the ciliary body. Timolol also blocks beta-receptors that are found on the blood vessels that supply the ciliary body. This narrows the blood vessels and lessens the amount of watery fluid that filters out of the blood vessels to form aqueous humor.

How to use Timolol?

Before applying the eye drops, wash your hands first. Do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. Remove contact lenses, if you are wearing them before using eye drops. Before replacing your contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes. 

Apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes before opening your eyes. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If you are having medication other than this, wait at least 5 minutes before applying it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

What are the precautions in using Timolol?

• This eye drop may cause your vision to blur temporarily. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this affects you. 
• This medicine is for use in the eye and must not be taken by mouth. 
• While using this medicine you should have regular eye examinations.
• Use this with caution in people with an artificial lens in the eye, no lens in the eye, a history of inflammation of the middle layer of the eyeball, those with decreased kidney or liver function, and people with severe or poorly controlled asthma. 
• This may cause the skin around the treated eye to darken. The risk of this can be reduced by wiping away any excess solution on the skin around the eye after putting the eye drops into the eye.
• This is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. 
• If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before using this prescription.
• This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you have experienced such an allergy before. Stop using this medicine and inform your doctor right away if you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction.