Key takeaways
Timolol hemihydrate (Betimol) and timolol maleate are both eye drops that lower eye pressure to treat conditions such as ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. They share the same active ingredient in slightly different chemical forms. But they work the same way and have similar dosages: 1 drop in the affected eye once or twice daily. Timolol maleate comes more dosage forms than timolol hemihydrate, such as an eye gel (Timoptic XE) and long-acting eye drop (Istalol). But timolol hemihydrate may cause less burning and stinging compared to other timolol products.
