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- Is timolol available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for timolol?
- What are the uses for timolol?
- What are the side effects of timolol?
- What is the dosage for timolol?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with timolol?
- Is timolol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about timolol?
What are the uses for timolol?
- Timolol is prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension).
- It also is used to reduce angina (heart pain), and to stabilize irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and prevent migraine headaches. Off label uses include the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and mitral valve prolapse.
What are the side effects of timolol?
Minor side effects of timolol include:
Major side effects include:
- depression,
- vivid dreams,
- memory loss,
- fever,
- impotence,
- lightheadedness,
- slow heart rate,
- low blood pressure,
- numbness,
- tingling,
- cramps,
- blueness of the hands or feet,
- sore throat,
- shortness of breath, or
- wheezing.
Which drugs or supplements interact with timolol?
- The concurrent use of timolol and clonidine (Catapres), may cause rebound hypertension upon abrupt discontinuation of clonidine. It is advisable, therefore, to stop the beta adrenergic blocking drug by several days before gradually withdrawing clonidine.
- Fenoldopam (Corlopam), which is used for the treatment of severe hypertension should not be taken together with timolol as the combination may increase the risk of hypotension due to additive effects of the two drugs in lowering blood pressure.
- Close observation should be carried out when timolol is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine (Harmonyl) because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or a markedly slow heartbeat, which may produce dizziness, syncope, or postural hypotension (dizziness upon standing).
- Concurrent use of NSAIDs with timolol may cause the antihypertensive action of beta-blockers to be decreased. This occurs because prostaglandins are important in controlling blood pressure.
Is timolol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Timolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
- Timolol has been detected in human milk and has a potential for adverse events in infants.
What else should I know about timolol?
What preparations of timolol are available?
Tablets: 5, 10, and 20 mg.
How should I keep timolol stored?
Timolol should be stored at room temperature, 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F) and kept in a tightly sealed container protected from light
Quick GuideHeart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes

Summary
Timolol (Blocadren and Timolide 10-25 brand names have been discontinued) is a first generation beta blocker drug. Timolol is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, heart attacks, and migraine headache prevention. Off label uses include treatment for cardiomyopathy and mitral valve prolapse. Side effects include:
Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
- nadolol (Corgard)
- propranolol, Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL
- metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
- Sectral (acebutolol)
- atenolol, Tenormin
- bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide, Ziac
- bisoprolol, Zebeta
- timolol ophthalmic solution (Timoptic, Timoptic-XE, Timoptic in Ocudose)
- Beta Blockers (Drug Class, List of Brand and Generic Names)
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
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Prevention & Wellness
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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.