Product Details: Timoptic (Timolol)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND TIMOPTIC IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME TIMOPTOL

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a beta-blocker used to treat open-angle glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye (ocular hypertension). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is for use in the eye only. Do not get it in your nose or mouth. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES, remove them before using this medicine. You may put them back in 15 minutes after using this medicine. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye (unless you recently had eye surgery) and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. TO PREVENT GERMS from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed. Do NOT overtighten the cap on the bottle. This may damage the bottle or cap. USE THIS MEDICINE at least 10 minutes apart from any other medicine that you put in your eye. Use this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Using this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using this medicine. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as eye exams or eye pressure measurements may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT USE this medicine following eye surgery or injury, or during an eye infection without first discussing it with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES: this medicine may hide signs of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs of low blood sugar. Other signs of low blood sugar include headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include blurred vision; dizziness; dry eyes; feeling that something is in your eye; headache; increased tear production; minor burning, itching, or stinging of the eye; or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain or discomfort; confusion; eye irritation, swelling, pain, or discharge; eyelid pain, redness, scaling, drooping, or swelling; fainting; pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling of an arm or leg; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; or vision changes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Timolol