Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Timoptic (Timolol-eent).
Blurred vision: Timolol eye drops may cause temporary blurred vision after putting them in your eyes. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Timoptic (Timolol-eent) affects you.
Breathing problems: Like other beta-adrenergic blockers, timolol can cause difficulty breathing for people with asthma and certain other breathing problems. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Timoptic (Timolol-eent) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timoptic (Timolol-eent), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Timoptic (Timolol-eent).
Contact lenses: There are preservatives present in both formulations of timolol eye drops. These preservatives may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before using timolol drops and wait for at least 15 minutes after using the drops to put the contact lenses back in your eyes.
Diabetes: The signs of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may not be as noticeable when using timolol eye drops. People with diabetes who are prone to hypoglycemia or those who are receiving insulin or taking medications that can reduce blood sugar should monitor blood glucose regularly. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Timoptic (Timolol-eent) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timoptic (Timolol-eent), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
General: As with other topically applied eye drops, Timoptic (Timolol-eent) may be absorbed into the blood circulation. The same side effects reported with oral medications from the family known as beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol) may occur with the eye drops.
Heart failure: Beta blockers, such as timolol, can slow down the heart rate and may cause severely decreased blood pressure. These effects can make symptoms of heart failure worse. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Timoptic (Timolol-eent) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.
People with heart failure should be carefully monitored by their doctors while using timolol eye drops.
Overactive Thyroid: Timolol may mask the signs of overactive thyroid, such as rapid heartbeat. If you have been told that you have an overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how Timoptic (Timolol-eent) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Timoptic (Timolol-eent), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Timolol has not been studied for use by pregnant women. Timoptic (Timolol-eent) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Timoptic (Timolol-eent), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Timoptic (Timolol-eent) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using timolol eye drops, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Timolol eye drops are not currently recommended for use by children.
