Timolol vs. Levobunolol for Glaucoma and Eye Pressure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Timolol

Levobunolol

(Betagan)

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 Levobunolol

Prescription only

Levobunolol, also known under the brand name Betagan, is an ophthalmic (eye) medication that helps lower the pressure within the eye. It's approved for adults with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye). This medication is a beta blocker that helps lower the amount of fluid in the eye. Levobunolol (Betagan) comes as 0.5% eye drops that used once or twice a day. Potential side effects include temporary burning and stinging in the eye.

Indications for Levobunolol

High pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Pros and Cons for Levobunolol

Pros

Typically used once a day for mild glaucoma
Doesn't need to be refrigerated
Can use together with other eye drops to lower eye pressure if it doesn't work well enough on its own

Cons

Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
Can't use if you have asthma or other lung problems
Might be difficult for some people to place the drops in the eye

Common Side Effects for Levobunolol

Temporary burning or stinging in the eye (up to 33%)

Warnings for Levobunolol

Risk of heart failure
Caution in people with blood circulation problems
Not recommended for people with breathing problems
Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
Risk of allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Timolol vs. Levobunolol

Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%

$11.56$41.56

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Levobunolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%

$13.26$27.47

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Timolol vs. Levobunolol

Timolol

Levobunolol

Summary for Timolol

Indications for Timolol

Pros and Cons for Timolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Timolol

Warnings for Timolol

Summary for Levobunolol

Indications for Levobunolol

Pros and Cons for Levobunolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Levobunolol

Warnings for Levobunolol

Prices with our coupons for Timolol vs. Levobunolol

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Timolol

Levobunolol

Summary for Timolol

Indications for Timolol

Pros and Cons for Timolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Timolol

Warnings for Timolol

Summary for Levobunolol

Indications for Levobunolol

Pros and Cons for Levobunolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Levobunolol

Warnings for Levobunolol