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Timoptic® eye drops are used for the treatment of glaucoma and increased pressure in the eye. This medication is part of a family of medications called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the production of fluid in the eye. This then lowers the pressure in the eye. It can take up to four weeks for Timoptic® to lower the pressure in the eye to a satisfactory level.
Timoptic® is available in strengths of 0.25% and 0.5%.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity while taking Timoptic®, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe to continue taking this medication. If Timoptic® is absorbed into the bloodstream, it can cause additional side effects. Common side effects of Timoptic® include burning and stinging, which can occur on instillation of the drug. Additional side effects of Timoptic® may include: abnormal overflow of tears, anxiety, cataracts, chest pain, cold hands and feet, behavioral changes, blurred or abnormal vision, common cold, confusion, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), cough, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, disorientation, double vision, drooping eyelid, dry mouth, eye discharge, eye dryness or irritation and inflammation, difficulty swallowing, eye pain or itching and tearing, fainting, fatigue, fluid in the lungs, headache, hair loss, hallucinations, heart failure, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, inability to breathe, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), indigestion, inflammation or swelling of the eyelid, intolerance of light, itching, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, memory loss, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, pain, pain or swelling in arms and legs, psoriasis, Peyronie's disease (curved and painful erection), rash, ringing in the ears, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, severe allergic reactions, sinus inflammation, skin tingling, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, stroke, stuffy nose, swelling, swelling of the face and neck, throbbing or fluttering heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, upper respiratory infection, visual disturbances, weakness, wheezing, worsened angina pectoris (crushing chest pain)
Side effects are difficult to predict. Some side effects are normal, while other side effects are not. Always discuss any side effects you are experiencing while taking any prescription medication, including Timoptic®, with your doctor.
Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve. Glaucoma can then lead to vision loss and the possibility of blindness. Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure. Glaucoma currently affects about three million Americans. About half of these individuals do not know they have Glaucoma.
Timoptic® can be used to treat Glaucoma. Refer to the top of the page for more info about Timoptic®.
Always consult a physician before taking any medications including Timoptic®.