Does Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) need to be refrigerated?

You don't need to refrigerate Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol). It's best to store it at room temperature away from light. Don't freeze Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) because this could damage the medication. Also, keep the eye drop dispensers inside the protective foil packaging to prevent the medication from evaporating.

How long does it take for Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) to work?

After you place Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) into the your eye, the pressure in your eye will start to go down [within half an hour](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d130f0ec-c3b5-4bc3-8f4a-68fd6c3ec0cf&type=display). Keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for the pressure to be consistently lower while you're using this medication. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will recheck your eye pressure after you've used Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) for about 4 weeks to see how treatment is going.

What's the difference between Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) and other timolol eye medications?

There are several different eye products containing timolol as the only active ingredient, and they can all lower the pressure in the eyes. Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) is a once- or twice-daily eye drop; it's __preservative-free__, which people might prefer to [help lessen eye irritation](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5907786/) from eye products containing preservatives. The [timolol gel-forming solution](https://www.goodrx.com/timoptic-xe/what-is) is only used once daily. And [Betimol](https://www.goodrx.com/betimol/what-is) contains timolol that has a slightly different chemical structure than the others. Research shows that Betimol works [just as well as](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9572538/) the other timolol eye drops and has similar side effects, but is used twice daily. Talk to your optometrist or opthalmologist if you're unsure which timolol eye drop medication you have or how often you need to use it.

timolol

Generic Timoptic Ocudose

Used for Eye Pressure, Glaucoma

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) is a preservative-free eye drop that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma in people 2 years and older. This medication is a beta blocker. Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) comes as individual, single-use eye drop dispensers; the brand-name and generic versions are both available. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but this is generally a temporary feeling. This medication is used by itself or with other eye drops that aren't beta blockers.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on February 1, 2024

What is Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)?

What is Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) used 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)

How Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) works

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) is a beta blocker that lowers the amount of fluid in the eye. When there's less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

Are you looking for information on timolol tablets, timolol eye drops (formerly Timoptic), or timolol gel eye drops (Timoptic-XE) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsTimoptic in Ocudose

Drug ClassBeta blocker

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Temporary burning or stinging in eye after using

Less Common Side Effects

Red eyes
Crusty lashes
Eye pain
Feeling like there's something in your eye
Itchy eyes
More tears than usual
Headache
Dizziness

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Trouble breathing: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness
Heart failure: shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
Allergic reactions: rash around your eyes or face, closing of the throat, hives, swelling

Source: DailyMed

More on Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) side effects

In the center of a light orange background with a texture and warning sign pattern is an orange-and-white eye dropper bottle cut into thirds.
GoodRx Health

Timolol Side Effects: 5 Things to Watch for With This Beta Blocker Eye Drop

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

The following Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain or discomfort

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

shortness of breath

slow or irregular heartbeat

unusual tiredness

Less common

Difficult or labored breathing

fast heartbeat

tightness in chest

wheezing

Rare

Noisy breathing

small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope

swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears

headache

hearing loss

nervousness

pounding in the ears

sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Itching skin

red, sore eyes

Rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

inability to have or keep an erection

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

nausea

sensation of spinning

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$490.67(Save 84.21%)

GoodRx discount

$77.47

See prices

Pros and cons of Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

Pros

Works well to treat high eye pressure
Free of preservatives, so might be a good option for people with contact lenses or people whose eyes are sensitive to preservative ingredients
Usually only used once or twice daily

Cons

Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
Must use right away after opening; can't store it for later use
Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung conditions

Pharmacist tips for Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

Keep each eye drop dispenser of Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) inside the protective foil packaging to prevent the medication from evaporating. If you've opened the foil wrapping, use the eye drop dispensers that are inside within a month. If it's been open for longer than a month, throw the eye drops away.
Wash your hands before placing the Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) drops in your eyes. Don't let the dropper tip touch your eye or any other surface, and don't touch the tip with your hands. This prevents the medication from getting contaminated with germs and can help you avoid getting an eye infection.
Throw away each Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) eye drop dispenser after you've used it, even if there's medication left inside. Since it doesn't contain any preservatives, germs can grow more easily in the medication if it's saved for later use. And using contaminated eye drops puts you at risk for eye infections.
If you need to use other eye drops in addition to Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol), wait at least 5 minutes between each product so your eye can fully absorb each medication.
It's not easy to tell whether your eye pressure is improving at home. Be sure to use Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) as prescribed, even if you don't see any difference in your symptoms or vision right away.
Store Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) eye drops at room temperature and away from light. Never freeze Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) because this could damage the medication.

Common questions about Timoptic Ocudose

You'll typically need glaucoma treatment with eye drops like Timoptic Ocudose long term, or as long as the pressure in your eye is still too high. You'll probably continue to use Timoptic Ocudose every day even if your eye pressure gets better so that it stays this way (as long as you're not having bothersome side effects). Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will schedule periodic eye exams to check your eye pressure. While you're using Timoptic Ocudose, it's important to remember to use each individual dispenser of preservative-free Timoptic Ocudose only once. Don't reuse opened eye drop dispensers as this can put you at risk for an eye infection.

You don't need to refrigerate Timoptic Ocudose. It's best to store it at room temperature away from light. Don't freeze Timoptic Ocudose because this could damage the medication. Also, keep the eye drop dispensers inside the protective foil packaging to prevent the medication from evaporating.

Use Timoptic Ocudose right away after you open the individually-sealed eye drop dispenser. Once it's opened, the medication can get easily exposed to germs and outside particles. Throw away dispensers after you've used them; don't save any for later use. If you've removed the protective foil packaging that holds the eye drop dispensers, use those eye drops within a month because light exposure can affect the medication. Throw away any unused dispensers from the opened foil packaging after a month.

Not usually. Keep in mind that weight loss might be a potential side effect of timolol tablets that are taken by mouth. And although Timoptic Ocudose works locally in your eyes, it's possible for some of the medication to be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause similar side effects as timolol tablets. Speak with your primary care provider if you notice concerning changes to your weight while you're using Timoptic Ocudose.

Some people have reported having dry eyes while they were using Timoptic Ocudose. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist might recommend an over-the-counter product like artificial tears to help with this symptom if dry eye becomes bothersome to you.

After you place Timoptic Ocudose into the your eye, the pressure in your eye will start to go down within half an hour. Keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for the pressure to be consistently lower while you're using this medication. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will recheck your eye pressure after you've used Timoptic Ocudose for about 4 weeks to see how treatment is going.

There are several different eye products containing timolol as the only active ingredient, and they can all lower the pressure in the eyes. Timoptic Ocudose is a once- or twice-daily eye drop; it's preservative-free, which people might prefer to help lessen eye irritation from eye products containing preservatives. The timolol gel-forming solution is only used once daily. And Betimol contains timolol that has a slightly different chemical structure than the others. Research shows that Betimol works just as well as the other timolol eye drops and has similar side effects, but is used twice daily. Talk to your optometrist or opthalmologist if you're unsure which timolol eye drop medication you have or how often you need to use it.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Risks and warnings for Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Higher risk for heart failure

Risk factors: Congestive heart failure | Second- or third-degree heart block

In rare cases, some people developed heart failure while they used beta-blocking medications like Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol). People who already have heart failure might be at risk for worsening heart problems with this medication. Make sure your care team is aware of your medical history. And talk to your primary care provider if you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, a fast or irregular pulse, or shortness of breath when you lie down or exercise. These might be signs of heart problems.

Not recommended for people with breathing problems

Risk factors: History of asthma | History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | History of other lung problems

Beta blocker medications like Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) usually aren't recommended for people with lung problems, like asthma and COPD. This is because beta blockers can cause the airways to become narrower, which can make it harder to breathe. But the risk for breathing problems specifically with Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) isn't well known. So make sure your care team knows if you have or have ever had any lung problems or conditions before you start using this medication to check whether it's safe for you.

Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar

Risk factors: Diabetes

Beta blockers can cause people with diabetes to not notice symptoms of low blood sugar, except for sweating and dizziness. It's possible for some Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) to get absorbed into your bloodstreatm and cause this effect. o though rare, it's important to be aware of this risk. Talk to your primary care provider to see whether you should check your blood sugar more often if you're using Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol).

Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid

Beta blockers can cause people with an overactive thyroid to not recognize the signs of hyperthyroidism, such as a fast heart rate. It's possible for some Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) to be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause this effect. Although rare, it's good to be aware of this risk. Make sure your primary care provider knows that you're using Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) so they can monitor your thyroid problem more closely.

Worsening of myasthenia gravis

In some rare cases, Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) can worsen symptoms like muscle weakness in people who have myasthenia gravis. Watch out for worsening symptoms if you have myasthenia gravis and let the specialist who's monitoring your condition know if this happens to you.

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 0.3ml eye dropper of 0.5% of Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) is $77.47 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 84.21% off the average retail price of $490.67.

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.3ml eye dropper of 0.5%	1 carton	$77.47	$77.47
0.3ml eye dropper of 0.25%	1 carton	$92.66	$92.66

Typical dosage for Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

The typical starting dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily.

If your eye pressure comes down and stays down, your optometrist or ophthalmologist might lower your dose to 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once a day.

Interactions between Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) and other drugs

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Albuterol
Ceritinib
Crizotinib
Dronedarone
Fenoldopam
Fingolimod
Formoterol
Indacaterol
Iobenguane I 131
Iohexol
Lacosamide
Levalbuterol
Olodaterol
Oxymetazoline
Paroxetine
Ponesimod
Rivastigmine
Salmeterol
Terbutaline
Vilanterol

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Amtolmetin Guacil
Aspirin
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Celecoxib
Choline Salicylate
Clonixin
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Dipyrone
Droxicam
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Flurbiprofen
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Naproxen
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Piroxicam
Pranoprofen
Proglumetacin
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Rofecoxib
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Sodium Salicylate
St John's Wort
Sulindac
Tenoxicam
Tiaprofenic Acid
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Valdecoxib

How much does Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Timoptic Ocudose (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$77.47

(save 89.63%)

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$77.47

(save 85.45%)

View prices and coupons

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol) will not be safe for you to take.

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sinus bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Second- or third-degree heart block
Heart failure
Cardiogenic shock

What are alternatives to Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

Used 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)

$77.47Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Timolol

Used 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)

$7.65Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Betaxolol (Betoptic-S)

Used for:

High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high blood pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

$21.26Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

News about Timoptic in Ocudose (timolol)

A List Of 8 Common Beta Blockers And Their Differences

Beta blockers are medications used to lower blood pressure and manage heart rhythms. See a list of the different types of beta blocker such as metoprolol, atenolol, and more.

References

Best studies we found

American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Ocular hypertension.

Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. (2022). Timoptic in ocudose- timolol maleate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

Hafeez, Y., et al. (2023). Sinus bradycardia. StatPearls.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

timolol