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

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)

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Timolol

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Summary for Xalatan

Prescription only

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an eye drop medication. It's used in adults to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, such as glaucoma. It works as a prostaglandin to help with high eye pressure. The typical dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once each night. Side effects include feeling like there's something in the eye, burning, and stinging. Unopened bottles need to be refrigerated. But once opened, you keep the medication at room temperature. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Xalatan

Lowering pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye)

Pros and Cons for Xalatan

Pros

A first-choice option for lowering the pressure in the eye
Only used once a day

Cons

Can permanently change the color of your eye
Need to take out any soft contact lenses before using

Common Side Effects for Xalatan

Feeling like there's something inside the eye (13%)
Stinging (9%)
Eye redness (8%)
Blurry vision (8%)
Itchy eye (8%)
Burning (7%)
Changes in eye color (7%)

Warnings for Xalatan

Darker eyes or eyelids
Eyelash changes
Eye inflammation
Swelling of the retina (macular edema)
Caution use in people with a history of a herpes eye infection
Risk of bacterial eye infection when using contaminated medication
Don't use while wearing soft contact lenses

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)