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.
High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)
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.
Source:Â DailyMed
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
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:
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
inability to have or keep an erection
indigestion
lack or loss of strength
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Asthma
Sinus bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Second- or third-degree heart block
High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)
High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)
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)
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American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Ocular hypertension.
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Huang, K. Y., et al. (2021). Do beta-adrenergic blocking agents increase asthma exacerbation? A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports.
Morales, D. R., et al. (2016). Respiratory effect of beta-blocker eye drops in asthma: population-based study and meta-analysis of clinical trials. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Mundorf, T. K., et al. (1998). The safety and efficacy of switching timolol maleate 0.5% solution to timolol hemihydrate 0.5% solution given twice daily. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?
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