Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker sold in the U.S. under 7 brand and generic names, for angina pectoris, open-angle glaucoma and heart failure. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Betimol (application NDA020439). Other timolol products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Betimol® Ophthalmic Solution is available in concentrations of 0.25% and 0.5%. The usual starting dose is one drop of 0.25% Betimol® in the affected eye(s) twice a day. If the clinical response is not adequate, the dosage may be changed to one drop of 0.5% solution in the affected eye(s) twice a day. If the intraocular pressure is maintained at satisfactory levels, the dosage schedule may be changed to one drop once a day in the affected eye(s). Because of diurnal variations in intraocular pressure, satisfactory response to the once-a-day dose is best determined by measuring the intraocular pressure at different times during the day. Since in some patients the pressure-lowering response to Betimol® may require a few weeks to stabilize, evaluation should include a determination of intraocular pressure after approximately 4 weeks of treatment with Betimol®. Dosages above one drop of 0.5% Betimol® twice a day generally have not been shown to produce further reduction in intraocular pressure. If the patient's intraocular pressure is still not at a satisfactory level on this regimen, concomitant therapy with pilocarpine and other miotics, and/or epinephrine, and/or systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, can be instituted.
The most frequently reported ocular event in clinical trials was burning/stinging on instillation and was comparable between Betimol ® and timolol maleate (approximately one in eight patients). The following adverse events were associated with use of Betimol ® in frequencies of more than 5% in two controlled, double-masked clinical studies in which 184 patients received 0.25% or 0.5% Betimol ® : OCULAR: Dry eyes, itching, foreign body sensation, discomfort in the eye, eyelid erythema, conjunctival injection, and headache. BODY AS A WHOLE: Headache. The following side effects were reported in frequencies of 1 to 5%: OCULAR: Eye pain, epiphora, photophobia, blurred or abnormal vision, corneal fluorescein staining, keratitis, blepharitis and cataract. BODY AS A WHOLE: Allergic reaction, asthenia, common cold and pain in extremities. CARDIOVASCULAR: Hypertension. DIGESTIVE: Nausea. METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL: Peripheral edema. NERVOUS SYSTEM/PSYCHIATRY: Dizziness and dry mouth. RESPIRATORY: Respiratory infection and sinusitis. In addition, the following adverse reactions have been reported with ophthalmic use of beta blockers: OCULAR: Conjunctivitis, blepharoptosis, decreased corneal sensitivity, visual disturbances including refractive changes, diplopia and retinal vascular disorder. BODY AS A WHOLE: Chest pain. CARDIOVASCULAR: Arrhythmia, palpitation, bradycardia, hypotension,…
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Drops | Generic |
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution 0.2%/0.5%*
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Apotex Corp. · Mar 5, 2026
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution
Lack of Assurance of Sterility; atypical weight loss due to improper bottle sealing leading to potential sterility concerns
Apotex Corp. · Sep 5, 2025
Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution USP
Defective Container: spike of the cap becomes lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle.
FDC Limited · Jul 5, 2025
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Apotex Corp. · May 28, 2025
Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution USP
Defective Container: Unable to get the solution out of the bottle as the spike of the cap was lodged in the nozzle of the product bottle.
FDC Limited · Apr 18, 2025
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Betimol ® is contraindicated in patients with overt heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, bronchial asthma or history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents Patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent orally and Betimol ® should be observed for a potential additive effect either on the intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta-blockade. Patients should not usually receive two topical ophthalmic beta-adrenergic blocking agents concurrently. Catecholamine-depleting drugs Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia, which may produce vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension. Calcium antagonists Caution should be used in the co-administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents and oral or intravenous calcium antagonists, because of possible atrioventricular conduction disturbances, left ventricular failure, and hypotension. In patients with impaired cardiac function, co-administration should be avoided. Digitalis and calcium antagonists The concomitant use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents with digitalis and calcium antagonists may have additive effects in prolonging atrioventricular conduction time. Injectable Epinephrine (See PRECAUTIONS, General, Anaphylaxis .)
| $1 |
| View → |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $1 | View → |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Drops | Generic | $1 | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $1 | View → |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $1 | View → |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $1 | View → |