Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Neptazane vs. Timolol

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

Key takeaways

Methazolamide (Neptazane) and timolol (Betimol) are both used to lower eye pressure and treat glaucoma, but they belong to different drug classes and have different forms and dosing schedules. Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor taken orally in tablet form, typically 2 or 3 times a day. In contrast, timolol is a beta blocker administered as eye drops, usually once or twice daily. Methazolamide can cause side effects like tingling in the arms or legs, ringing in the ears, and stomach upset, while timolol commonly causes temporary burning or stinging in the eye. Methazolamide has potential interactions with aspirin and steroids, whereas timolol should be used cautiously in people with asthma or heart conditions.Timolol has a bran-name version, while methzolamide's brand-name form is discontinued. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Methazolamide
    Timolol
  • Methazolamide
    Timolol

  • Summary of Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Methazolamide is used to help lower eye pressure and treats eye conditions like glaucoma in adults. It belongs to the drug class called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Methazolamide is a tablet that's taken by mouth, and the dosage is taken 2 or 3 times a day. This medication has many potential side effects, including tingling in the arms or legs, ringing in the ears, and stomach upset. There are possible interactions with aspirin and steroids.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    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 of Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye, such as with glaucoma
    Indications 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)

  • Pros and Cons of Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower pressure in the eyes
    •A tablet that's taken by mouth, which might be an option for people who don't like to use eye drops
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day
    •Many potential side effects, so not typically a first-choice option
    •Unknown if safe or works well in children
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    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 of Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or "pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Weakness
    •Tiredness
    •Loss of appetite
    •Taste changes
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •More urination
    •Vision changes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

  • Warnings of Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Interaction with aspirin
    •Use with caution in people with breathing or lung problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Neptazane vs. Timolol

    Learn more about Methazolamide
    Learn more about Timolol

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.