Timolol Eye Drops Side Effects

Timolol eye drops are a prescription medication used to lower internal eye pressure in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Timolol eye drops, also called timolol maleate, should only be applied to the eye. Timolol is also available in other forms, inlcuding pills taken orally, to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. To use timolol eye drops, tilt your head back, pull the lower eyelid down and drop the prescribed number of drops in each eye. Once the drops have been administered, close your eye for a minute or two. Try not to rub your eyes or blink during this time.

Eye Side Effects

• Some people using timolol eye drops may experience a burning and stinging sensation immediately after the medication is administered. This is no cause for concern. However, if the stinging persists or you begin to experience eye pain, you should notify your doctor.

Vision Side Effects

• Some people using timolol eye drops may experience blurred or double vision after administering the drops. This is not unusual and most users will notice that the vision problems resolve a few minutes after using the drops. Because vision can temporarily be impaired after using timolol, avoid driving or performing other complicated tasks until after your vision has been fully restored.

Other Side Effects

• Most people who use timolol will not experience any other side effects as a result of the medication. However, some people will notice depression or mood changes, dizziness, drowsiness, a slow or irregular heartbeat or breathing difficulties. Because these side effects can indicate a problem that may require treatment, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately in the unlikely event you experience any of these effects.

Warnings

• Timolol eye drops are not safe for all people, including those with bronchial asthma or other serious respiratory conditions, a slow heartbeat, conduction disorder (which is also called heart block), cardiogenic shock or heart failure. People with diabetes, thyroid disease, other types of heart disease, allergies and disorders that cause muscle weakness should also fully discuss their treatment options with their doctor because timolol may not be the safest treatment. Additionally, pregnant women should not use the medication unless absolutely necessary. And because it's excreted into breast milk, it may not be safe for breastfeeding moms.

Drug Interactions

• As with many other medications, timolol eye drops are known to interact with other drugs, including high blood pressure medications that contain reserpine, calcium channel blockers, epinephrine, clonidine and quinidine. Additionally, timolol should not be taken with topical or oral beta-blockers. To prevent possibly dangerous drug interactions, be sure to discuss all the medications you are using with your doctor and pharmacist before taking timolol.