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Medication Written by Pharmacists Reviewed by Doctors

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




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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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