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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Timolol

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Timolol

  • Timolol is used to treat a number of different conditions. If you are unsure why you are taking these tablets, speak with your doctor.
  • Do not stop taking timolol without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • The most common side-effects are tiredness, cold fingers or toes, disturbed sleep, and stomach upset.

About timolol

Type of medicineA beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug (often referred to as a beta-blocker)
Used forHigh blood pressure
Angina
To protect the heart following a heart attack
To prevent migraine
Also calledBetim®
Prestim® (timolol in combination with bendroflumethiazide)
Available asTablets

Timolol is used to treat several different problems. It works on the heart and blood vessels.

High blood pressure: it is not fully understood how timolol works in hypertension (high blood pressure), but it is known to slow down the activity of the heart. This then reduces high blood pressure.

Angina: by slowing down the activity of the heart, timolol reduces the heart's need for oxygen. This reduces how hard the heart has to work and makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

To protect the heart: taking timolol after having a heart attack has been shown to reduce the risk of a second attack in some people.

To prevent migraines: it is not clear how timolol and other beta-blockers work to prevent migraine, but they are commonly used. Migraine prevention with timolol may be helpful for people who suffer several migraine attacks each month and also for people who find the treatments for migraine unsuitable. Although timolol helps prevent migraines from starting, if a migraine attack occurs, other medicines are used to treat it.

Timolol is also available in combination with medicines known as diuretics ('water tablets'). These combination tablets are only used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Before taking timolol

Before taking timolol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you have asthma or breathing difficulties.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you have psoriasis (a skin problem).
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness).
  • If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).
  • If you have been told you have Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain caused by spasms of the heart's blood vessels).
  • If you have phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on your adrenal gland).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever had any other severe allergic reaction.

How to take timolol

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take timolol exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • Try to take your doses of timolol at the same times each day to avoid missing any.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
  • It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
  • It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking timolol as it may increase some of its side-effects.
  • If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose levels regularly as this medicine can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. It may also block the symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking timolol.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems in some people and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with timolol.

Can timolol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Some possible side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this?
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick, stomach upsetStick to simple foods, and eat regular small meals
Dizziness, feeling tired or light-headed (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position)Getting up more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing, to prevent the dizziness returning
Cold fingers or toes, tingling feelings, disturbed sleep, feeling short of breath, sexual problems, mood changesSpeak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store timolol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Betim®, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 21 Nov 2011		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 3460  Version: 23		Peer Reviewer: Dr Hannah Gronow
© EMIS 2011
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