Before using timolol eye preparations

Before using timolol eye preparations make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have any heart problems.
• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you suffer from asthma or any other breathing problems.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to use timolol eye preparations

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Use timolol eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the cap from the container.
3. Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
4. Gently squeeze the container so that one drop falls into the eye. Try not to touch your eye with the tip of the container.
5. Close your eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes. Press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose.
6. Repeat in your other eye if you have been told to use these eye drops in both eyes.
7. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the tip of the container with any surface, including your eye or fingers.
8. Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using these eye drops, and wait for at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
• If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application.
• Do not use the drops more often than the doctor has told you.
• If you also use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between each one.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with timolol eye preparations.

Can timolol eye preparations cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all 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.

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 eye preparations

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Eye drops only keep for 4 weeks once opened. After this time make sure you have a fresh supply.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Timoptol® 0.25% and 0.5% w/v Eye Drops Solution, MSD Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed October 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Nyogel® 0.1% Eye Gel, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium, Dated November 2008, accessed October 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Timoptol®LA 0.25 and 0.5% w/v Gel-Forming Eye Drops Solution,MSD Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed October 2010.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)