Timolol tablets
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What are timolol tablets?
TIMOLOL (Blocadren®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Timolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Timolol can be used to improve symptoms in patients with heart disease. It is sometimes given after a heart attack to reduce heart-related adverse events. Timolol is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Generic timolol tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• angina (chest pain)
• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
• circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
• depression
• diabetes
• emphysema, or other lung disease
• history of heart attack or heart failure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness or disease
• pheochromocytoma
• psoriasis
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take timolol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
This medicine is not for use in children.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 4 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with timolol?
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• atropine
• cimetidine
• clonidine
• cocaine
• ergotamine
• hawthorn
• levodopa
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• theophylline
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking timolol?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking timolol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be while taking this drug.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how timolol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Timolol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking timolol.
What side effects may I notice from taking timolol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in blood sugar
• cold hands or feet
• confusion, hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dizziness or fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
• skin rash, itching, peeling skin
• slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)
• swelling of the legs or ankles
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dark colored skin
• diarrhea
• dry sore eyes
• hair loss
• nausea
• sexual difficulties (impotence or decreased sexual urges)
• weakness or tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
