betimol
Pharmaranks rates Betimol 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Betimol (Timolol) is a beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat Angina Pectoris, Open-Angle Glaucoma, Heart Failure, Hypertension.
Timolol · by Thea Pharma
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Timolol
- Drug class
- Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Form
- Drops
- Strength
- Timolol 0.25% · Timolol 0.5%
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- angina pectoris, open-angle glaucoma, heart failure
- Manufacturer
- Thea Pharma
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$1.06 per ml — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020439
What is Betimol?
From the FDA label:Betimol ® (timolol ophthalmic solution), 0.25% and 0.5%, is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist for ophthalmic use. The chemical name of the active ingredient is (S)-1-[(1, 1-dimethylethyl)amino]-3-[[4-(4-morpholinyl)-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl]oxy]-2-propanol. Timolol hemihydrate is the levo isomer. Specific rotation is [α] 25 405nm =-16° (C=10% as the hemihydrate form in 1N HCl). The molecular formula of timolol is Formula C 13 H 24 N 4 O 3 S and its structural formula is: Timolol (as the hemihydrate) is a white, odorless, crystalline powder which is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in ethanol. Timolol hemihydrate is stable at room temperature. Betimol ® is a clear, colorless, isotonic, sterile, microbiologically preserved phosphate buffered aqueous solution. It is supplied in two dosage strengths, 0.25% and 0.5%. Each mL of Betimol ® 0.25% contains 2.56 mg of timolol hemihydrate equivalent to 2.5 mg timolol. Each mL of Betimol ® 0.5% contains 5.12 mg of timolol hemihydrate equivalent to 5.0 mg timolol. Inactive ingredients: monosodium and disodium phosphate dihydrate to adjust pH (6.5 - 7.5) and water for injection, benzalkonium chloride 0.01 % added as preservative. The osmolality of Betimol ® is 260 to 320 mOsmol/kg. Chemical Structure
How to use
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.
Side effects
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,…
Warnings
Important safety information
As with other topically applied ophthalmic drugs, Betimol ® is absorbed systemically. The same adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. For example, severe respiratory and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma, and rarely, death in association with cardiac failure have been reported following systemic or topical administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be essential for support of the circulation in individuals with diminished myocardial contractility, and its inhibition by beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may precipitate more severe cardiac failure. In patients without a history of cardiac failure, continued depression of the myocardium with beta-blocking agents over a period of time can, in some cases, lead to cardiac failure. Betimol ® should be discontinued at the first sign or symptom of cardiac failure. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g. chronic bronchitis, emphysema) of mild or moderate severity, bronchospastic disease, or a history of bronchospastic disease (other than bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma which are contraindications) should in general not receive beta-blocking agents. Major Surgery The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents prior to a major surgery is controversial. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade impairs the ability of the heart to respond to beta-adrenergically mediated reflex stimuli. This may augment the risk of general anesthesia in surgical procedures. Some patients receiving beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents have been subject to protracted severe hypotension during anesthesia. Difficulty in restarting and maintaining the heartbeat has also been reported. For these reasons, in patients undergoing elective surgery, gradual withdrawal of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents is recommended. If necessary during surgery, the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may be reversed by sufficient doses of beta-adrenergic agonists. Diabetes Mellitus Beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia or to diabetic patients (especially those with labile diabetes) who are receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia. Thyrotoxicosis Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask certain clinical signs (e.g. tachycardia) of hyperthyroidism. Patients suspected of developing thyrotoxicosis should be managed carefully to avoid abrupt withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents which might precipitate a thyroid storm.
Who should not take Betimol
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.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
No information is available on overdosage with Betimol ® . Symptoms that might be expected with an overdose of a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent are bronchospasm, hypotension, bradycardia, and acute cardiac failure.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
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 .)
Drug class
How this class works, per Beta Blockers — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH).
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Betimol ranks — best-rated beta-adrenergic blocker for:
Dosage forms
Drops
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Betimol treat?
- Betimol (Timolol) may be used to treat angina pectoris, open-angle glaucoma, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Betimol work?
- Betimol is a beta-adrenergic blocker. Beta-blockers block adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline from acting on beta-adrenergic receptors, mainly in the heart. This slows the heart rate, reduces how forcefully the heart contracts, and lowers blood pressure, easing the workload on the heart.
- How is Betimol rated?
- pharmaranks gives Betimol a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Betimol cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $1.06 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Betimol?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Betimol. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Betimol?
- Betimol is marketed by Thea Pharma. You can see Thea Pharma's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Betimol a brand-name or generic drug?
- Betimol is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Timolol.
- Is Betimol available over the counter?
- No. Betimol is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Betimol come in?
- Betimol is currently marketed as drops, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Betimol?
- Betimol is classified as beta-adrenergic blocker, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Betimol FDA-registered?
- Betimol is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020439. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Betimol been recalled by the FDA?
- Yes. Betimol has 1 recorded FDA recall event in the openFDA enforcement database. A recall removes specific lots from the market — usually for manufacturing, contamination, potency, or labeling issues — and does not mean the drug is unsafe to take; your specific lot was almost certainly never affected. This recall history is factored into its safety score above. Always check the FDA recall database or your pharmacist for current alerts.
- Is Betimol safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Betimol a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (1 recorded recall event) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Betimol?
- Betimol's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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).… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about TIMOLOL
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 27,728 reports naming TIMOLOL — the active ingredient in Betimol, and the FDA flagged 52% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- treatment failure4,066 reports
- fatigue1,210 reports
- eye irritation1,182 reports
- eye pain1,152 reports
- diarrhoea985 reports
- dizziness960 reports
- vision blurred871 reports
- nausea858 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean TIMOLOL caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 26, 2026.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
betagan
Levobunolol Hydrochloride
bystolic
Nebivolol Hydrochloride
inderal la
Propranolol Hydrochloride
innopran xl
Propranolol Hydrochloride
atenolol
Atenolol
brevibloc
Esmolol Hydrochloride
Compare Betimol head-to-head
More beta-adrenergic blocker drugs
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
betimol
70/100