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

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

Get free coupons

Timolol

Get free coupons

Summary for Trusopt

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.

Indications for Trusopt

Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people with:

Pros and Cons for Trusopt

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

Common Side Effects for Trusopt

Burning or stinging in the eye (33%)
Bitter taste (25%)
Bacterial eye infection (10-15%)
Allergic reaction in the eye (10%)

Warnings for Trusopt

Severe allergic reactions
Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
Risk for swelling of the cornea

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)