Timolol

Generic name: Timolol
Brand names: Blocadren
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Usage of Timolol

Timolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Timolol is sometimes given with other blood pressure medication.

Timolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack, or to lower the risk of having another heart attack.

Timolol is also used to prevent migraine headaches.

Timolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Timolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Timolol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

new or worsening chest pain;

slow or uneven heartbeats;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

muscle weakness;

drooping eyelids, vision problems; or

a cold feeling in your hands and feet.

Common side effects of timolol may include:

slow heartbeats;

dizziness; or

tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Timolol

You should not use timolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);

very slow heartbeats;

heart failure; or

if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

congestive heart failure;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

diabetes;

overactive thyroid;

liver or kidney disease;

myasthenia gravis or other muscle disorders;

allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing);

peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome; or

a condition for which you are being treated with IV heart or blood pressure medication (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, or verapamil).

It is not known whether timolol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Timolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Timolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Timolol

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally twice a dayMaintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally twice a dayMaximum dose: 30 mg orally twice a dayComment:-There should be an interval of at least 7 days between increases in dosages.-This drug may be used with a thiazide diuretic or with other antihypertensive agents. Use: For hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, especially thiazide-type diuretics

Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally twice a dayUse: For patients who have survived the acute phase of myocardial infarction, and are clinically stable, to reduce cardiovascular mortality and the risk of reinfarction

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine Prophylaxis:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally twice a dayMaintenance dose: 10 to 30 mg given in 1 to 2 divided dosesUse: For the prophylaxis of migraine headache

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Timolol

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

digoxin, digitalis;

heart or blood pressure medication--clonidine, diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, quinidine, verapamil, and others; or

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect timolol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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