Uses
What the official label says Timolol is used for
The FDA label for Timolol states:
Preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial is indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial may be used when a patient is sensitive to the preservative in timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP, benzalkonium chloride, or when use of a preservative-free topical medication is advisable.
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
Preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial is indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial may be used when a patient is sensitive to the preservative in timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP, benzalkonium chloride, or when use of a preservative-free topical medication is advisable.
Names & forms
Brand names, forms and strengths
Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic.
Generic name: timolol · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 10600
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Ophthalmic Gel | 0.001 MG/MG, 0.0025 MG/MG, 0.005 MG/MG |
| Ophthalmic Solution | 2.5 MG/ML, 5 MG/ML |
Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.
Appearance
What Timolol looks like
The DailyMed product data we retrieved does not include colour or shape details for Timolol (common for ophthalmic products). Appearance varies by manufacturer — your pharmacist can confirm what yours should look like.
Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
Preservative-free Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution USP is a clear, colorless to light yellow solution. Preservative-free Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.25% timolol equivalent, is supplied in a clear low density polyethylene vial. Each individual unit contains 0.3 mL of solution, and is available in 2 blocks of 5 vials in a sealed aluminum pouch; six pouches per carton. NDC 69918-602-60; 0.3 mL Single-dose vials in a carton of 60. Preservative-free Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.5% timolol equivalent, is supplied in a clear low density polyethylene vial. Each individual unit contains 0.3 mL of solution, and is available in 2 blocks of 5 vials in a sealed aluminum pouch; six pouches per carton. NDC 69918-601-60; 0.3 mL Single-dose vials in a carton of 60. Storage Store at room temperature, 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Protect from freezing. Protect from light. Because evaporation can occur through the unprotected polyethylene unit dose vial and prolonged exposure to direct light can modify the product, the unit dose vial should be kept in the protective foil overwrap and used within one month after the foil package has been opened. Keep out of Reach of Children. Manufactured for: Nordic Pharma, Inc. Berwyn, PA 19312 www.nordicpharmausa.com The Nordic Pharma Logo is a trademark of Nordic Group B.V. Manufactured by: Rommelag CDMO GmbH, Bahnhofstrasse 18, 74429 Sulzbach-Laufen, Germany Origin Germany Rev. 02/2026 006-00423 label1
Safety
Important warnings for Timolol
As with many topically applied ophthalmic drugs, this drug is absorbed systemically. The same adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. …
Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
Preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial is contraindicated in patients with (1) bronchial asthma; (2) a history of bronchial asthma; (3) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see WARNINGS ); (4) sinus bradycardia; (5) second or third degree atrioventricular block; (6) overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS ); (7) cardiogenic shock; or (8) hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
As with many topically applied ophthalmic drugs, this drug is absorbed systemically. The same adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. For example, severe respiratory reactions and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma, and rarely death in association with cardiac failure, have been reported following systemic or ophthalmic administration of timolol maleate USP (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be essential for support of the circulation in individuals with diminished myocardial contractility, and its inhibition by beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may precipitate more severe failure. In Patients without a History of Cardiac Failure continued depression of the myocardium with beta-blocking agents over a period of time can, in some cases, lead to cardiac failure. At the first sign or symptom of cardiac failure, preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in unit dose vial should be discontinued. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) of mild or moderate severity, bronchospastic disease, or a history of bronchospastic disease (other than bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma, in which timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ]) should, in general, not receive beta-blockers, including preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial. Major Surgery The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents prior to major surgery is controversial. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade impairs the ability of the heart to respond to beta-adrenergically mediated reflex stimuli. This may augment the risk of general anesthesia in surgical procedures. Some patients receiving beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents have experienced protracted severe hypotension during anesthesia. Difficulty in restarting and maintaining the heartbeat has also been reported. For these reasons, in patients undergoing elective surgery, some authorities recommend gradual withdrawal of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. If necessary during surgery, the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may be reversed by sufficient doses of adrenergic agonists. Diabetes Mellitus Beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia or to diabetic patients (especially those with labile diabetes) who are receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycemia. Thyrotoxicosis Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask certain clinical signs (e.g., tachycardia) of hyperthyroidism. Patients suspected of developing thyrotoxicosis should be managed carefully to avoid abrupt withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents that might precipitate a thyroid storm.
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The most frequently reported adverse experiences have been burning and stinging upon instillation (approximately one in eight patients). The following additional adverse experiences have been reported less frequently with ocular administration of this or other timolol maleate USP formulations: BODY AS A WHOLE Headache, asthenia/fatigue, and chest pain. CARDIOVASCULAR Bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, hypertension, syncope, heart block, cerebral vascular accident, cerebral ischemia, cardiac failure, worsening of angina pectoris, palpitation, cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, edema, claudication, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and cold hands and feet. DIGESTIVE Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, anorexia, and dry mouth. IMMUNOLOGIC Systemic lupus erythematosus. …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
Although timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP used alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis resulting from concomitant therapy with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP and epinephrine has been reported occasionally. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents : Patients who are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocking agent orally and preservative-free timolol maleate ophthalmic solution USP in the unit dose vial should be observed for potential additive effects of beta-blockade, both systemic and on intraocular pressure. The concomitant use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended. …
This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.
Resources
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