GENERIC NAME: timolol
BRAND NAME: Blocadren
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Timolol is a beta-adrenergic
blocking
agent. It acts by blocking certain actions of the sympathetic
nervous
system. It reduces the heart rate and reduces blood vessel
contraction in
the heart, brain, and throughout the body. Timolol also
prevents irregular
or fast heart beats.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets and capsules should be stored at room
temperature in a tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Timolol is prescribed to lower blood
pressure
in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also
used to
reduce angina attacks (angina pectoris), and to stabilize
irregular
heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias). Other uses include the
prevention of
migraine headaches and the treatment of certain types of
tremors (familial
or hereditary essential tremors).
DOSING: Should be taken before meals or at bedtime.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Timolol should not be taken by
people with
asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. It should be taken
with caution
in people with diabetes since it can mask the symptoms of low
blood sugar.
Timolol use should not be abruptly discontinued since this may
exacerbate
angina or raise the blood pressure; if necessary its dosage
should be
reduced gradually over several weeks. Other anti-hypertensive
medicines,
including calcium channel blockers, and haloperidol (Haldol),
and digoxin (Lanoxin) may interact with timolol to lower the blood pressure
or heart
rate to a dangerous level. It is not habit forming.
PREGNANCY: Timolol may cause intrauterine growth
retardation and
should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit
justifies the
potential risk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include abdominal
cramps,
diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and
vomiting. Major
side effects include depression, vivid dreams or memory loss,
fever,
impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate or low blood
pressure,
numbness, tingling, cramps, blueness of the hands or feet, sore
throat,
and shortness of breath or wheezing.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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