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Istalol vs. Timolol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Istalol

(timolol)

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Timolol

 

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Summary for Istalol

Prescription only

Istalol (timolol) is an eye drop that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. It belongs to the beta blocker drug class. This medication can be used by itself or together with other eye drops that aren't beta blockers. Istalol (timolol) is longer-acting than other timolol products, so the usual dosage is once daily in the morning. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but it's generally a temporary feeling.

Indications for Istalol

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

Pros and Cons for Istalol

Pros

  • Works well to treat high eye pressure
  • Used only once daily
  • Lower-cost generic available

Cons

  • Unknown if safe for use in children
  • Might cause more side effects than some other timolol eye medications

Common Side Effects for Istalol

  • Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using (38%)

Warnings for Istalol

  • Higher risk for heart failure
  • Not recommended for people with breathing problems
  • Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
  • Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis

Summary for Timolol

Prescription only

Timolol is an eye drop medication that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. This medication belongs to the drug class called beta blockers. Timolol can be used by itself or together with other eye drops. The usual dosage is a drop of timolol into the eye(s) once or twice a day. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but this is generally a temporary feeling. Although the brand name Timoptic was discontinued, the generic version is still available.

Indications for Timolol

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

Pros and Cons for Timolol

Pros

  • Works well to treat high eye pressure
  • Usually only need to take once or twice daily
  • Lower-cost generic version available

Cons

  • Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
  • Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung problems
  • Shouldn't take if you have uncontrolled heart failure, second- or third-degree heart block, or sinus bradycardia (a chronically low heart rate)

Common Side Effects for Timolol

  • Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

Warnings for Timolol

  • Higher risk for heart failure
  • Not recommended for people with breathing problems
  • Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
  • Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis

Prices with our coupons for Istalol vs. Timolol

Price Card Drug Icon
Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$9.76$40.15
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Price Card Drug Icon
Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$9.76$40.15
Get free coupons
More Information

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