Timoptic XE (Timolol Maleate)

What is Timoptic XE?

Timoptic XE (timolol ophthalmic) belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers.

What is Timoptic XE used for?

Timoptic XE is used to reduce elevated pressure in the eyes of patients with ocular hypertension. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps prevent blindness. The medicine is also indicated for the treatment of glaucoma.

How does Timoptic XE work?

Timoptic XE works by lowering the elevated pressure in the eye and decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye.

How to use Timoptic XE

Timoptic XE should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause complications.

Put Timoptic XE in the affected eye(s) twice daily. Wash your hands properly before using Timoptic XE eye drops.

To apply the eye drops, tilt your head back slightly.

Pull down on the lower eyelid. Hold the eye dropper above the eye.

Make sure that the dropper is tipped down. Look up. Don’t look into the dropper, look away from it.

Squeeze out one drop and close your eye. Press your fore-finger gently to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose).

Do it for about a minute to prevent the liquid from draining into your tear duct. Wait for at least 10 minutes before using any other prescribed eye drops.

Timoptic XE warnings and precautions

Do not use Timoptic XE if you are allergic to timolol or to benzalkonium chloride.

Do not use Timoptic XE if you are suffering from lung diseases, sinus bradycardia; severe heart failure and cardiogenic shock.

Inform your doctor about your medical history if it consists of cerebrovascular insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver diseases, myasthenia gravis, diabetes etc.

Do not touch the dropper as contaminated dropper can cause infection in the eye resulting in loss of vision or damage to the eye. Remember not to use the medicine while wearing contact lenses. Wait for at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses in the eyes.

Timoptic XE is known to cause blurred vision; therefore, it is advised that you must not take up any attention demanding work after using this medicine.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Timoptic XE dose?

If you have missed your Timoptic XE dose, skip the missed dose and use it at the time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Timoptic XE overdose?

If you have taken a Timoptic XE overdose you should seek medical attention.

Timoptic XE interactions

Before taking Timoptic XE, consult your doctor if you are using drugs like  epinephrine, catecholamine-depleting drugs containing reperine, quinidine, digitalis, other calcium blockers like diltiazem, verampil; insulin, sulfonylureas like glyburide, digoxin, methyldopa, theophylline etc.

Also, do not start or stop taking any medicine on your own.

Timoptic XE side effects

Timoptic XE side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Redness or swelling of eyelids, itching, pain in and around the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, oozing or discharge from the eye, fever, headache, sore throat, red skin rash, weight gain, wheezing, gasping and other breathing problems are also side effects from Timoptic XE. If you get any of these side effects after using Timoptic XE, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Nausea, stuffy nose, upset stomach, mild eye discomfort, dizziness, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelid, dry eyes, unusual taste in mouth, pain in stomach or back, stinging or burning sensation in the eyes after using the eye drops are some less serious side effects of Timoptic XE.