Timolol
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
YES
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
Timolol
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Timolol is primarily used for treating high blood pressure. It also helps in reducing the chances of another heart attack in people who've had one before. Additionally, it can help prevent migraines.
Timolol is absorbed into your body when swallowed, reaching its highest level in your blood within one to two hours. It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
The usual dose of Timolol for adults is 20-40 milligrams (mg) per day, which can be increased up to 60 mg daily if needed. For high blood pressure, start with 10 mg twice a day. The doctor will adjust the amount based on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Common side effects of Timolol include tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. It can also cause a slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Less common but serious side effects include allergic reactions, heart problems, strokes, and severe heart blockages.
Timolol shouldn't be used by people with lung problems like asthma, slow heartbeats, certain heart blockages, heart failure, or severe low blood pressure. Stopping it suddenly can be dangerous, especially if you have heart disease. If signs of heart failure appear, you'll need to stop taking it gradually under doctor's supervision.
Indications and Purpose
What is Timolol used for?
Timolol maleate tablets help lower high blood pressure. They can be used by themselves or with other blood pressure medicines. They also help people who've had a heart attack to live longer and reduce the chances of another one. Plus, they can prevent migraine headaches.
How does Timolol work?
Timolol maleate is a medicine that's mostly absorbed into your body when you swallow it. It reaches its highest level in your blood within one to two hours, and it stays in your system for about four hours. Your liver breaks down some of it, and your kidneys get rid of the rest. It doesn't stick strongly to proteins in your blood. Your doctor will adjust your dose depending on how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to the medicine.
Is Timolol effective?
Timolol is a medicine that helps with several health problems. It lowers blood pressure, which is important for people with high blood pressure. It also helps people who've had a heart attack by reducing the chances of another one and even death from heart problems. Finally, it can help prevent migraines. How much you take depends on how your body reacts to it. Your doctor will figure out the right amount for you.
How does one know if Timolol is working?
Timolol is a medicine tested to see if it helps people who've had a heart attack or have high blood pressure or migraines. Studies check if it lowers the chances of another heart attack or death from heart problems. They also measure if it lowers blood pressure and heart rate compared to a sugar pill (placebo). These tests include older people (65-75) to see how well it works for them and if it's safe.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Timolol?
This medicine's usual dose for adults is 20-40 milligrams (mg) each day, but can go up to 60 mg daily if needed. If the dose is increased, wait at least a week before increasing it again. For high blood pressure, start with 10 mg twice a day. The doctor will adjust the amount based on your heart rate and blood pressure. There's no information given about how much children should take.
How do I take Timolol?
Timolol can be taken with or without food, so you can choose what works best for you. There are no specific food restrictions while using this medication. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take it, including the correct dosage and timing.
For how long do I take Timolol?
Use the medicine as directed for 6 to 8 weeks. If you don't feel better by then, stop taking it.
How long does it take for Timolol to start working?
The medicine starts working quickly, showing up in your blood within half an hour and reaching its highest level in one to two hours. You'll notice a drop in blood pressure within a few days, but it takes several weeks to get the full benefit.
How should I store Timolol?
Keep the medicine in a cool, dark place between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Put it in a special container that keeps out light and is hard for kids to open. Keep the container closed tightly.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Timolol?
Timolol maleate is a medicine with serious side effects for some people. It shouldn't be used by those with lung problems like asthma or severe COPD, slow heartbeats, certain heart blockages, heart failure, or severe low blood pressure. Stopping it suddenly, especially if you have heart disease, can be dangerous and make chest pain worse. Your doctor needs to watch you carefully while you're taking it for any signs of heart failure. If that happens, you'll need to stop taking it. The medicine should be stopped gradually, not all at once.
Can I take Timolol with other prescription drugs?
Timolol is a blood pressure medicine. Taking it with certain other drugs can cause problems. For example, combining it with reserpine (another blood pressure drug) can make your blood pressure drop too low, causing dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure when you stand up. Taking it with some anti-inflammatory pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can make the timolol less effective at lowering blood pressure.
Can I take Timolol with vitamins or supplements?
Timolol has some notable interactions with vitamins and supplements. While there are no significant interactions with Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, or Vitamin D, caution is advised when taking potassium-rich foods, as they can increase blood potassium levels when combined with Timolol. Additionally, high doses of multivitamins may reduce the effectiveness of Timolol. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new vitamins or supplements to ensure they are safe to use alongside Timolol.
Can Timolol be taken safely while pregnant?
Timolol is a medicine that shouldn't be used during pregnancy unless the doctor thinks it's absolutely necessary for the mother's health, because the possible harm to the baby isn't fully known. More research is needed to understand the effects on pregnant women and their babies.
Can Timolol be taken safely while breastfeeding?
A medicine called timolol maleate can pass into breast milk. This medicine can be harmful to a baby, so a mother needs to choose between stopping breastfeeding or stopping the medicine. The choice depends on how important the medicine is for the mother's health.
Is Timolol safe for the elderly?
Older adults often have weaker livers, kidneys, or hearts, and may take other medicines. Because of this, they need lower starting doses of many drugs to avoid problems. Since this medicine leaves the body through the kidneys, kidney function needs to be checked to prevent harmful side effects.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Timolol?
Exercise is safe but be cautious if dizziness, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance occurs. Stay hydrated, and stop exercising if symptoms worsen
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Timolol?
Drinking alcohol while on Timolol may increase the risk of dizziness or fainting. Moderate consumption might be acceptable, but consult your doctor for specific recommendations
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