Timolol eye solution

What is this medicine?

TIMOLOL (TYE moe lole) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are using a unit dose container, use immediately after opening and throw away right after use. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in blood sugar

• cold hands or feet

• confusion, hallucinations

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• dizziness or fainting spells

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

• skin rash, itching, peeling skin

• slow heart rate

• swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• burning stinging or itching of the eyes or eyelids

• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

What may interact with this medicine?

• clonidine

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for mental depression like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

• medicines to control heart rhythm

Do not use other eye products with this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. After opening the foil wrap of unit dose eye drops (Ocudose), use within 1 month. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart or blood vessel disease like slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome or Raynaud's disease

• lung disease like asthma or emphysema

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.