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Timolol vs. Levobunolol

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

Timolol

 

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Levobunolol

(Betagan)

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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 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

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$9.76$40.67
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Levobunolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$13.26$27.48
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