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Compare Trusopt vs. Timolol

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

Key takeaways

Dorzolamide (Trusopt) and timolol (Betimol) are both eye drop medications used to lower eye pressure and treat glaucoma, but they belong to different drug classes and work differently. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, while timolol is a beta blocker that also lowers fluid production. Dorzolamide is typically used three times a day, whereas timolol is usually taken once or twice daily. Dorzolamide can cause side effects like eye irritation and a bitter taste, and it is not safe for people with sulfa allergies. On the other hand, timolol can cause burning or stinging in the eye and is not recommended for people with asthma, COPD, or certain heart conditions. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.

  • Dorzolamide
    Timolol
  • Dorzolamide
    Timolol

  • Summary of Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Summary for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Dorzolamide is an eye drop medication used to treat high pressure in the eye in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The dosage is 1 drop applied directly into the affected eye(s) three times per day. It's available as a generic only as the brand-name medication Trusopt has been discontinued. Dorzolamide is a sulfa medication, so it might not be the best choice if you have a serious sulfa allergy. Side effects include burning or stinging in the eye and a bitter taste in the mouth.

    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 Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Indications for

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle 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 Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Pros and Const for Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Doesn't typically cause side effects throughout the rest of your body
    •Can be combined with other medications
    •Safe to use in children
    Cons
    •Needs to be used 3 times a day
    •Can cause eye irritation right after applying a drop
    •Not the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications
    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 Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or stinging in the eye (33%)
    •Bitter taste (25%)
    •Bacterial eye infection (10-15%)
    •Allergic reaction in the eye (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

  • Warnings of Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
    •Risk for swelling of the cornea
    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 Trusopt vs. Timolol

    Learn more about Dorzolamide
    Learn more about Timolol

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