This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Timoptic Ocumeter Consumer Information
TIMOPTIC OCUMETER
Generic Name: timolol ophthalmic (TIH moe lole)
Brand Names: Betimol, Timoptic Ocumeter, Timoptic-XE
What is the most important information I should know about timolol ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
- Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using timolol ophthalmic before you have an operation or dental surgery.
What is timolol ophthalmic?
- Timolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Timolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.
- Timolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye.
- Timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before using timolol ophthalmic?
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- asthma or another chronic lung disease;
- a very slow heart rate;
- heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;
- diabetes; or
- an overactive thyroid.
- You may not be able to use timolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Timolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether timolol ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
- Timolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not use timolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use timolol ophthalmic?
- Use timolol ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.
- Shake the Timoptic X.E. eyedrops before use.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
- Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store timolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped. Keep the Timoptic Ocudose eyedrops in the foil until you are ready to use them. Once they are opened, use them within one month.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a heart attack.
What should I avoid while using timolol ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using timolol ophthalmic before you have an operation or dental surgery.
- If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with timolol ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with timolol ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.