timoptic
Timoptic (Timolol Maleate) is a beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat Angina Pectoris, Open-Angle Glaucoma, Heart Failure, Hypertension.
Timolol Maleate · by Bausch and Lomb
Available as a generic: Timolol Maleate
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Timolol Maleate
- Drug class
- Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Form
- Solution
- Strength
- Timolol Maleate EQ 0.25% Base · Timolol Maleate EQ 0.5% Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- angina pectoris, open-angle glaucoma, heart failure
- Manufacturer
- Bausch and Lomb
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$1.06 per ml — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA018086
What is Timoptic?
From the FDA label:TIMOPTIC ® (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. Its chemical name is (-)-1-( tert -butylamino)-3-[(4-morpholino-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl)oxy]-2-propanol maleate (1:1) (salt). Timolol maleate possesses an asymmetric carbon atom in its structure and is provided as the levo-isomer. The optical rotation of timolol maleate is: Its molecular formula is C 13 H 24 N 4 O 3 S•C 4 H 4 O 4 and its structural formula is: Timolol maleate has a molecular weight of 432.50. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder which is soluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in chloroform; practically insoluble in ether. TIMOPTIC is stable at room temperature. TIMOPTIC Ophthalmic Solution is supplied as a sterile, isotonic, buffered, aqueous solution of timolol maleate in two dosage strengths. Each mL of TIMOPTIC 0.25% contains 2.5 mg of timolol (3.4 mg of timolol maleate). The pH of the solution is approximately 7, and the osmolality is 260-340 mOsm/kg. Each mL of TIMOPTIC 0.5% contains 5 mg of timolol (6.8 mg of timolol maleate). Inactive ingredients: monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and purified water. Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% is added as preservative. formulaimage chemstructure
How to use
Ophthalmic Solution is available in concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5%. The usual starting dose is one drop of TIMOPTIC 0.25% 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. Since in some patients the pressure-lowering response to TIMOPTIC may require a few weeks to stabilize, evaluation should include a determination of intraocular pressure after approximately 4 weeks of treatment with TIMOPTIC. 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. Dosages above one drop of TIMOPTIC 0.5% 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 other agent(s) for lowering intraocular pressure can be instituted. The concomitant use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended [see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions, Beta-adrenergic blocking agents ].
Side effects
The most frequently reported adverse experiences have been burning and stinging upon instillation (approximately one in eight patients). The following additional adverse experiences have been reported less frequently with ocular administration of this or other timolol maleate formulations: Body as a Whole Headache, asthenia/fatigue, and chest pain. Cardiovascular Bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, hypertension, syncope, heart block, cerebral vascular accident, cerebral ischemia, cardiac failure, worsening of angina pectoris, palpitation, cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, edema, claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon, and cold hands and feet. Digestive Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, anorexia, and dry mouth. Immunologic Systemic lupus erythematosus. Nervous System/Psychiatric Dizziness, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, paresthesia, somnolence, insomnia, nightmares, behavioral changes and psychic disturbances including depression, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, disorientation, nervousness, and memory loss. Skin Alopecia and psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis. Hypersensitivity Signs and symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, and localized and generalized rash. Respiratory Bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with preexisting bronchospastic disease), respiratory failure, dyspnea, nasal congestion,…
Warnings
Important safety information
As with many topically applied ophthalmic drugs, this drug 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 reactions 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 ophthalmic administration of timolol maleate [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ]. Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be essential for support of the circulation in individuals with diminished myocardial contractility, and its inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may precipitate more severe 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. At the first sign or symptom of cardiac failure, TIMOPTIC should be discontinued. 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, in which TIMOPTIC is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ]) should, in general, not receive beta-blockers, including TIMOPTIC. Major Surgery The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents prior to 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 experienced protracted severe hypotension during anesthesia. Difficulty in restarting and maintaining the heartbeat has also been reported. For these reasons, in patients undergoing elective surgery, some authorities recommend gradual withdrawal of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. If necessary during surgery, the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may be reversed by sufficient doses of 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 that might precipitate a thyroid storm.
Who should not take Timoptic
TIMOPTIC is contraindicated in patients with (1) bronchial asthma; (2) a history of bronchial asthma; (3) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [see WARNINGS ]; (4) sinus bradycardia; (5) second or third degree atrioventricular block; (6) overt cardiac failure [see WARNINGS ]; (7) cardiogenic shock; or (8) hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
There have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with TIMOPTIC Ophthalmic Solution resulting in systemic effects similar to those seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiac arrest [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. Overdosage has been reported with timolol maleate tablets. A 30-year-old female ingested 650 mg of timolol maleate tablets (maximum recommended oral daily dose is 60 mg) and experienced second and third degree heart block. She recovered without treatment but approximately two months later developed irregular heartbeat, hypertension, dizziness, tinnitus, faintness, increased pulse rate, and borderline first degree heart block. An in vitro hemodialysis study, using 14 C timolol added to human plasma or whole blood, showed that timolol was readily dialyzed from these fluids; however, a study of patients with renal failure showed that timolol did not dialyze readily.
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
Although TIMOPTIC used alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis resulting from concomitant therapy with TIMOPTIC and epinephrine has been reported occasionally. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents: Patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent orally and TIMOPTIC should be observed for potential additive effects of beta-blockade, both systemic and on intraocular pressure. The concomitant use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended. Calcium antagonists: Caution should be used in the coadministration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents, such as TIMOPTIC, and oral or intravenous calcium antagonists because of possible atrioventricular conduction disturbances, left ventricular failure, and hypotension. In patients with impaired cardiac function, coadministration should be avoided. 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 result in vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension. 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. CYP2D6 inhibitors: Potentiated systemic beta-blockade (e.g., decreased heart rate, depression) has been reported during combined treatment with CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, SSRIs) and timolol. Clonidine: Oral beta-adrenergic blocking agents may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. There have been no reports of exacerbation of rebound hypertension with ophthalmic timolol maleate. 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 Timoptic ranks — best-rated beta-adrenergic blocker for:
Dosage forms
Solution
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Use copay cards
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Timoptic treat?
- Timoptic (Timolol Maleate) 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 Timoptic work?
- Timoptic 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 much does Timoptic 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 Timoptic?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Timoptic. 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 Timoptic?
- Timoptic is marketed by Bausch and Lomb. You can see Bausch and Lomb's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Timoptic a brand-name or generic drug?
- Timoptic is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Timolol Maleate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Timolol Maleate are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Timoptic available over the counter?
- No. Timoptic 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 Timoptic come in?
- Timoptic is currently marketed as solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Timoptic?
- Timoptic is classified as beta-adrenergic blocker, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Timoptic FDA-registered?
- Timoptic is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA018086. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Timoptic safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Timoptic. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Timoptic?
- Timoptic's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The most frequently reported adverse experiences have been burning and stinging upon instillation (approximately one in eight patients). The following additional adverse experiences have been reported less frequently with ocular administration of this or other timolol maleate formulations: Body as a… 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.
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