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Timolol Coupon - Timolol 5ml of 0.5% eye dropper

timolol

Generic Betimol
Used for Glaucoma, Eye Pressure
Used for Glaucoma, Eye Pressure

Betimol (timolol) is a brand-name eye drop medication that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma in adults. This medication is a beta blocker. It can be used by itself or together with other eye drops that aren't beta blockers. Betimol works just as well as generic timolol eye drops, but it might cause side effects like burning and stinging in the eye.

Last reviewed on February 5, 2024
basics-icon

What is Betimol (timolol)?

What is Betimol (timolol) used for?

  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

How Betimol (timolol) works

Betimol (timolol) is a beta blocker that lowers the amount of fluid in the eye. When there's less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBetimol
Drug ClassBeta blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$46.000
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What are the side effects of Betimol (timolol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

Other Side Effects

  • Dry eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye
  • Eye discomfort
  • Eye pain
  • Red eyes
  • Eyelid redness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Common cold symptoms

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Trouble breathing: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
  • Allergic reactions: rash around your eyes or face, closing of the throat, hives, swelling

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain or discomfort

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

shortness of breath

slow or irregular heartbeat

unusual tiredness

Less common

Difficult or labored breathing

fast heartbeat

tightness in chest

wheezing

Rare

Noisy breathing

small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope

swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears

headache

hearing loss

nervousness

pounding in the ears

sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Itching skin

red, sore eyes

Rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

inability to have or keep an erection

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

nausea

sensation of spinning

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Betimol (timolol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat high eye pressure

Might cause less burning, stinging, and tearing than some other timolol eye drops

Usually only taken once or twice daily

thumbs-down

Cons

Contains a preservative that might absorb into contact lenses if they're not taken out when using the eye drops

Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung problems

Risk of similar side effects as timolol tablets since some medication can absorb into your bloodstream

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Betimol (timolol)

pharmacist
  • Wash your hands before putting Betimol (timolol) drops in your eye(s). Make sure the dropper tip doesn't touch your eye or any other surface and that you don't touch the tip with your hands. This helps prevent the eye drops from getting contaminated with germs so that you're less likely to get an eye infection.

    • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you place Betimol (timolol) into your eye(s). Then, wait 5 minutes after you use the medication to put your contacts back in your eye(s).

      • After placing a drop of Betimol (timolol) in the eye, close your eye and lightly press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps your eye absorb the drop of medication.

        • If you need to use Betimol (timolol) in addition to other eye drops or ointments, wait 5 minutes between each product to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.

          • It's not easy to tell whether your eye pressure is improving at home. Make sure to use Betimol (timolol) as prescribed, even if you don't notice any differences in your symptoms or vision straight away.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Betimol (timolol)

            Is Betimol the same as timolol?
            Timolol is the active ingredient in Betimol. Betimol is an eye drop medication that's used to control pressure in the eye. Note that timolol is also available as tablets that are taken by mouth, but the tablets are used for treating high blood pressure and heart attack and for preventing migraines.
            Does Betimol (timolol) need to be refrigerated?
            You don't need to refrigerate Betimol (timolol). Keep the eye drops at room temperature away from light. Never freeze Betimol (timolol) because this could damage the medication.
            Does Betimol (timolol) cause dry eyes?
            Betimol (timolol) can cause dry eyes as a side effect. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist might recommend an over-the-counter product like artificial tears to help with this symptom if dry eye gets bothersome.
            Can Betimol (timolol) cause asthma?
            Beta blocker medications like Betimol (timolol) can narrow the airways and make it harder to breathe. This might cause any lung conditions to worsen, so Betimol (timolol) isn't usually recommended for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although Betimol (timolol) is used on the eyes and mainly works in the eyes, some medication might be absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your lungs. For this reason, make sure your primary care provider or pulmonologist knows that you're using Betimol (timolol) so they can monitor you more closely.
            Can Betimol (timolol) cause hair loss?
            Although it isn't a common side effect, some people reported hair loss while they were using Betimol (timolol). Tell your primary care provider about any new or worsening hair loss after you start using Betimol (timolol). They might want to examine you to see whether there are other possible causes for your hair loss before recommending a treatment option or before switching you to a different eye pressure-lowering medication.
            Can you buy Betimol (timolol) over the counter?
            No, you won't be able to find Betimol (timolol) over the counter. You'll need a prescription from your optometrist or ophthalmologist for glaucoma eye drops like Betimol (timolol).
            What's the difference between Betimol (timolol) and other timolol eye products?
            There are a few different eye products that contain timolol as the only active ingredient and they can all lower pressure in the eyes. The main difference is the chemical form of timolol they contain. Betimol contains timolol hemihydrate, which is slightly different from timolol maleate (the active ingredient in other timolol eye drop medications). Betimol (timolol) works just as well as the other timolol eye drops. But one study found that Betimol might cause less burning, stinging, and watery eyes than certain other timolol products. Another difference is that Betimol (timolol) is used once or twice daily, but some other timolol eye drops like the gel-forming solution are used once daily. Talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you're unsure which timolol eye drop medication you have and whether it best fits your needs.
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            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Betimol (timolol)?

            Betimol (timolol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Higher risk for heart failure

            • Risk factors: Congestive heart failure | Second- or third-degree heart block

              In rare cases, some people developed heart failure while they used beta blocker medications like Betimol (timolol). People who already have heart failure might be at risk for worsening heart problems with this medication. Tell your healthcare team about your medical history. And talk to your primary care provider if you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, a fast or irregular pulse, or shortness of breath when you lie down or exercise. These might be signs of heart problems.

              risk-warning

              Not recommended for people with breathing peoples

              • Risk factors: History of asthma | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | History of other lung problems

                Beta blocker medications like Betimol (timolol) usually aren't recommended for people with lung problems, like asthma and COPD. This is because beta blockers can cause the airways to become narrower, which can make it harder to breathe. But the risk for breathing problems specifically with Betimol (timolol) isn't well known. So make sure your care team knows if you have or have ever had any lung problems or conditions before you start using this medication to check whether it's safe for you.

                risk-warning

                Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar

                • Risk factors: Diabetes

                  Beta blockers can cause people with diabetes to not notice symptoms of low blood sugar, except for sweating and dizziness. It's possible for some Betimol (timolol) to be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause this effect. So though rare, it's important to be aware of this risk. Talk to your primary care provider to see whether you should check your blood sugar more often if you're using Betimol (timolol).

                  risk-warning

                  Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid

                  Beta blockers can cause people with an overactive thyroid to not recognize the signs of hyperthyroidism, such as a fast heart rate. It's possible for some Betimol (timolol) to be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause this effect. Although rare, it's good to be aware of this risk. Make sure your primary care provider knows that you're using Betimol (timolol) so they can monitor your thyroid problem more closely.

                  risk-warning

                  Worsening of myasthenia gravis

                  In some rare cases, Betimol (timolol) can worsen symptoms like muscle weakness in people who have myasthenia gravis. Watch out for worsening symptoms if you have myasthenia gravis and let your care team know if this happens to you.

                  dosage

                  Betimol (timolol) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.5% of Betimol (timolol) is $147.02 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 26.29% off the average retail price of $199.45.
                  eye dropper
                  Eye dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5ml of 0.25%1 eye dropper$142.68$142.68
                  5ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$147.02$147.02
                  10ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$276.56$276.56
                  15ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$418.50$418.50

                  Typical dosing for Betimol (timolol)

                  The typical starting dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily.

                  If your eye pressure comes down and stays down, your dose might be lowered to 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Betimol (timolol) and other drugs

                  Betimol (timolol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Betimol (timolol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Betimol (timolol) cost?

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Betimol (timolol) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Betimol (timolol) will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Betimol (timolol)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Betimol (timolol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Betimol (timolol)
                  Used for:
                  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                  $46.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                  $75.86 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high blood pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                  $28.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Betimol (timolol) images

                  yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
                  colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  colorless - Timolol Hemihydrate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.colorless - Timolol Hemihydrate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.colorless - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution (Once-Daily)
                  This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution (Once-Daily)
                  yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Timolol Maleate 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Ocular hypertension.

                  Hafeez, Y., et al. (2023). Sinus bradycardia. StatPearls.

                  Huang, K. Y., et al. (2021). Do beta-adrenergic blocking agents increase asthma exacerbation? A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports.

                  View All References (8)

                  Morales, D. R., et al. (2016). Respiratory effect of beta-blocker eye drops in asthma: population-based study and meta-analysis of clinical trials. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                  Mundorf, T. K., et al. (1998). The safety and efficacy of switching timolol maleate 0.5% solution to timolol hemihydrate 0.5% solution given twice daily. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

                  National Eye Institute. (2024). How to put in eye drops.

                  National Eye Institute. (2023). Blepharitis.

                  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?

                  Sidjanin, D. J., et al. (2008). Pharmacogenetics of ophthalmic topical beta-blockers. Personalized Medicine.

                  Stewart, W. C., et al. (2013). A comfort survey of timolol hemihydrate 0.5% solution once or twice daily vs timolol maleate in sorbate. Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice.

                  Thea Pharma Inc. (2024). Betimol- timolol solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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