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Compare Xalatan vs. Timolol

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

Key takeaways

Latanoprost (Xalatan) and timolol (Betimol) are both eye drop medications used to lower eye pressure in conditions like ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, but they belong to different drug classes and work differently. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin that helps fluid drain from the eye, while timolol is a beta blocker that reduces the amount of fluid produced in the eye. Latanoprost is typically used once daily in the evening, whereas timolol is usually taken once or twice a day. Latanoprost can cause changes in eye color and eyelash growth, while timolol can lead to systemic effects like lower blood pressure and heart rate. Timolol should be avoided if you have asthma or certain heart conditions, but latanoprost does not have these specific contraindications. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Timolol
  • Latanoprost (Xalatan)
    Timolol

  • Summary of Xalatan vs. Timolol

    Summary for Prostaglandin
    Prescription only

    Latanoprost (Xalatan) helps lower pressure in the eye and is a popular medication for glaucoma, but it can cause changes to your eyelashes and eye color.

    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 Xalatan vs. Timolol

    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)
    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 Xalatan vs. Timolol

    Pros and Const for Prostaglandin
    Pros
    •Good at treating high eye pressure
    •Only used once a day
    •Causes less eye irritation than many alternatives
    •Xalatan brand is available as a cheaper, generic form.
    Cons
    •Can permanently change the color of your eyes
    •Can trigger herpes infections of the eye
    •Requires removal of soft contact lenses
    •Xelpros brand has no generic available
    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 Xalatan vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging right after using (55% with Xelpros, 9% with Xalatan)
    •Red eye (41% with Xelpros, not common with Xalatan)
    •Red eyelids (15% with Xelpros, 8% with Xalatan)
    •Feeling like there is something in your eye (13% with Xalatan, 2% with Xelpros)
    •Eye discharge, extra "sleepers" in your eyes (12% with Xelpros, not common with Xalatan)
    •Eyelash growth (11% with Xelpros, not common with Xalatan)
    •Eye inflammation (10% with Xalatan, 1% with Xelpros)
    •Blurry vision (8% with Xalatan, not common with Xelpros)
    •Itchy eyes (8% with Xalatan, 5% with Xelpros)
    •Eye burning (7% with Xalatan, not common with Xelpros)
    •Darker eye color (7% with Xalatan, not common with Xelpros)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using

  • Warnings of Xalatan vs. Timolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •DARKER EYES, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES
    •MORE EYELASHES
    •EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING
    •HERPES INFECTIONS
    •BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
    •NO SOFT CONTACT LENSES
    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 Xalatan vs. Timolol

    Learn more about Latanoprost
    Learn more about Timolol

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