Timolol Eye Drop

What is this medication for?

Timolol is used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where the nerve in the eye is damaged, and is usually associated with increased eye pressure. Untreated glaucoma can affect your eyesight and cause blindness. Timolol helps to lower eye pressure by reducing fluid produced in the eye. 

Timolol may also be used for other indications as prescribed by your doctor.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Proper use of eye drop
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, and read the instructions on the label.
  • While seated, tilt your head backwards and look up. You may also lie down. 
  • Using your index finger, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and instil one drop into the eye. Make sure the tip does not touch the eye or any other surface to prevent it from getting dirty.
  • Close your eyes gently and wipe off any excess eye drops around your eyes with a clean tissue.
  • Keep your eyes closed and press down gently on the inner corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
  • If you need to use more than 1 drop of medication, or if you are using another type of eye drop, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the next eye drop. 
• For more details on how to apply eye drops, click on this link for a step-by-step guide: https://www.healthhub.sg/medication-devices-and-treatment/medications/a-step-by-step-guide-on-how-to-instil-eye-drops 
• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to use a dose, use it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use two doses together to make up for the missed dose.   

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You have breathing problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• You have heart problems such as slow heartbeat, heart block or heart failure  
• You have other medical problems such as diabetes, thyroid disease, myasthenia gravis, peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud disease
• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding  
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye redness
• Dry eyes
• Tearing of the eyes
• Increased sensitivity of the eye to light
• Cold fingers and toes
• Headache
• Dizziness

If these side effects happen and do not go away, check with your healthcare professional as soon as possible. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes around your eyes or over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

Record the date opened on the eye drop bottle. Throw away this medication one month after opening or as instructed on your medication
label. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.