Canadian pharmacy buying guide: drug characteristics, uses and benefits, side effects and interactions, and links for further information about buying discount drugs online from Canada.

Timoptic Ocumeter Consumer Information

TIMOPTIC OCUMETER

Generic Name: timolol ophthalmic (TIH moe lole)

Brand Names: Betimol, Timoptic Ocumeter, Timoptic-XE

What is the most important information I should know about timolol ophthalmic?

• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
• Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using timolol ophthalmic before you have an operation or dental surgery.

What is timolol ophthalmic?

• Timolol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Timolol ophthalmic reduces pressure inside the eye.
• Timolol ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye.
• Timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before using timolol ophthalmic?

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
• asthma or another chronic lung disease;
• a very slow heart rate;
• heart disease such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart block;
• diabetes; or
• an overactive thyroid.
• You may not be able to use timolol ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Timolol ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether timolol ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
• Timolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not use timolol ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use timolol ophthalmic?

• Use timolol ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Wash your hands before using the eyedrops.
• Shake the Timoptic X.E. eyedrops before use.
• To apply the eyedrops:
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat the process in the other eye.
• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
• Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
• Store timolol ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped. Keep the Timoptic Ocudose eyedrops in the foil until you are ready to use them. Once they are opened, use them within one month.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an overdose include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a heart attack.

What should I avoid while using timolol ophthalmic?

• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using timolol ophthalmic before you have an operation or dental surgery.
• If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with timolol ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with timolol ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of timolol ophthalmic?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using timolol ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
• an asthma attack (shortness of breath or wheezing); or
• congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, chest pain, or anxiety).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use timolol ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
• burning and stinging of the eyes;
• blurred vision that may last up to 5 minutes;
• headache;
• fatigue; or
• nausea.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect timolol ophthalmic?

• Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with timolol ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a beta-blocker by mouth, such as propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), or metoprolol (Lopressor). You may experience increased side effects if you also use timolol ophthalmic.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with timolol ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about timolol ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations of This Canadian Pharmacy Information

Efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This is an educational resource only intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. This site does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.