Timolol
Also sold as: Timoptol, Glucomol
Prescription neededEye and ear medicines
Comes as:Eye drops
Usual adult dose
Glaucoma: 1 drop of 0.25% or 0.5% in the affected eye twice a day (once a day for the gel-type drops). Press on the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes after the drop.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- stinging
- dry eyes
- blurred vision for a short time
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness or fainting
- wheezing or breathlessness
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Asthma or severe COPD
- Slow heartbeat or heart block
- Uncontrolled heart failure
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Verapamil
Together they can slow the heart too much.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Atenolol
Beta blocker tablets add to the effect of timolol drops on the heart.
- Diltiazem
Together they can slow the heart and lower blood pressure.
- Salbutamol
Timolol can block the effect of salbutamol and worsen asthma.