Generic Betimol

Chemical Name: TIMOLOL

Common uses

This medicine is a non-selective beta-blocker used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking epinephrine, albuterol, salmeterol, or theophylline.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicine(s) for glaucoma, alfuzosin, cimetidine, clonidine, disopyramide, flecainide, insulin or other medicine for diabetes, prazosin, quinidine, or verapamil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid problems, myasthenia gravis, congestive heart failure, breathing problems including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have asthma or a history of asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), very slow heart rate, heart failure, heart block, or cardiogenic shock. Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. To use this medicine: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye (unless you recently had eye surgery) and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop using this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as eye exams or eye pressure measurements may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Do not use a container of this medicine containing multiple doses just following eye surgery or injury, or during an eye infection without first discussing it with your doctor.

Before having any allergy shots, tell your doctor that you are using this medicine. This medicine may increase your risk for a serious reaction to the allergy shot. Treating a serious allergic reaction may be more difficult while you are taking this medicine. Contact your doctor for more information. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

For patients with diabetes: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may occur while using this medicine include stinging, tearing, burning, blurred vision, or discomfort when first applied; or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible, if you experience pain or itching of eyes, excessive tearing, red eyes, discharge from eyes, a feeling that something is in your eye, dizziness, changes in heart rate including very slow heart rate, or muscle weakness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling in ankles, cough, or difficulty breathing.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, slow heart rate, wheezing, and coughing.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.