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Timolol vs. Betoptic-S

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

Key takeaways

Timolol and betaxolol are both beta blocker eye drops used to lower eye pressure and treat glaucoma. Timolol is available in a generic form and is typically used once or twice a day, while betaxolol, also available in a generic form, is usually used twice a day. Both medications can cause temporary burning or stinging in the eye and may not be suitable for people with heart failure and certain other heart conditions. Timolol is also not recommended for those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both medications can be used alone or with other eye drops. Always consult your eye specialist to determine which medication is best for you.

Timolol

 

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Betaxolol

(Betoptic-S)

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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

Summary for Betoptic-S

Prescription only

Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) is an eye drop medication. It helps lower pressure within the eye and treats glaucoma in adults. This eye drop is a beta blocker that works by lessening the amount of fluid in the eye. The Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) eye drops are typically used twice a day. Side effects aren't common but can include temporary eye discomfort and watery eyes. Betaxolol (Betoptic-S) can be used by itself or together with other pressure-lowering eye drops.

Indications for Betoptic-S

  • 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)

Pros and Cons for Betoptic-S

Pros

  • Works well at lowering eye pressure
  • Can use with other eye drops if it's not working well enough on its own
  • Side effects aren't common, except for temporary discomfort in the eye right after using the eye drops
  • Lower-cost generic available for the solution version

Cons

  • Must use twice a day
  • Might not be the best choice if you have asthma or other lung conditions
  • Not recommended if you have heart problems like heart failure, heart block, or long-lasting low heart rate
  • Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Betoptic-S

  • Temporary discomfort in the eye (burning or stinging) after using
  • Watery eye

Warnings for Betoptic-S

  • Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
  • Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis
  • Not recommended for people with breathing problems
  • Caution use in people who've had heart problems like heart failure

Prices with our coupons for Timolol vs. Betoptic-S

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Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$9.76$40.15
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Price Card Drug Icon
Betaxolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$21.26$74.99
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