Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TIMOLOL SOLUTION-GEL - OPHTHALMIC

(TIE-moh-lohl, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Timoptic-XE

Uses

This medication is used to reduce pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma or other eye conditions.

How To Use

To instill eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper or let it touch your eye. Prior to instilling the eye drops, invert the closed container and shake once before each use. It is not necessary to shake the container more than once. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. For maximum effect, this medication must be used routinely as prescribed.

Side Effects

This medication may temporarily sting your eyes for a minute or two when you first use it. If stinging persists or if pain develops, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying drops. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Inform your doctor if you develop: skin rash, itching or hives. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, drowsiness, depression, breathing difficulties, irregular or slow heartbeat. If you are using other eye medications, be sure to use them at least 10 minutes prior to using this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, muscle weakness disorders, allergies. If you are scheduled for surgery that requires anesthesia, tell the doctor treating you that you use this medication. If you have eye surgery, injury or infection consult your eye doctor about continued use of your current timolol bottle. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: diuretics, cold preparations and nasal decongestants, reserpine, heart medication, high blood pressure drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, wheezing, and coughing.

Notes

Discard the solution if it turns brown, cloudy or contains particles.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Avoid freezing.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).