$Unique_ID{BRK03351}
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$Title{timolol (ophthalmic)}
$Subject{Timoptic Merck Sharp Dohme Antiglaucoma ophthalmic solution timolol
reduce pressure eye glaucoma beta blockers decreasing eye fluid aqueous humor
outflow}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


timolol (ophthalmic)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Timoptic (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antiglaucoma ophthalmic solution

INGREDIENT

     timolol

DOSAGE FORM

     Ophthalmic drops (0.25% and 0.5%)

STORAGE

     Timolol ophthalmic drops should be stored at room temperature in a
tightly closed container.  This medication should never be frozen.  If this
medication discolors or turns brown, it should be discarded--a color change
indicates a loss of potency.

USES

     Timolol (ophthalmic) is used to reduce pressure in the eye caused by
glaucoma or other eye conditions.  This medication belongs to a group of drugs
known as beta blockers.  When applied to the eye, timolol reduces pressure
within the eye by decreasing eye fluid (aqueous humor) production and perhaps
by increasing the outflow of fluid from the eye.

TREATMENT

     Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before applying this
medication.  In order to avoid contamination of the eye drops, be careful not
to touch the tube portion of the dropper or let it touch your eye, and do not
wipe off or rinse the dropper after you use it.
     To apply the ophthalmic drops, tilt your head back and pull down your
lower eyelid with one hand to make a pouch below the eye.  Drop the prescribed
amount of medicine into this pouch and slowly close your eyes.  Try not to
blink.  Keep your eyes closed, and place one finger at the corner of the eye
next to your nose for a minute or two, applying a slight pressure (this is
done to prevent loss of medication through the duct that drains fluid from the
surface of the eye into the nose and throat).  Then wipe away any excess
medication with a clean tissue.  Since applying the medication is somewhat
difficult to do, you may want to have someone else apply the ophthalmic drops
for you.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
apply the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  If
the medication is used only once a day, and you do not remember missing a dose
until the next day, skip the missed dose.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     When you first apply this medication, you may have a stinging sensation
your eyes.  This should stop in a few minutes.

     Major.

     Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
itching, skin rash, hives, or irritation of the eye that lasts more than a few
minutes after application.  Major side effects are rare when this product is
administered correctly.  However, rare occurrences of anxiety, confusion,
depression, dizziness, drowsiness, generalized rash, indigestion, loss of
appetite, nausea, weakness, and a slight reduction of the resting heart rate
have been observed in some users of this medication.  If you have any of these
symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.

INTERACTIONS

     Timolol (ophthalmic) may increase the side effects of reserpine and oral
beta blockers.
     Before starting to take timolol (ophthalmic), BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to timolol or to any other beta blockers
(acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol,
nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, or propranolol).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or myasthenia gravis.
     * Your doctor should check your eye pressure regularly to be sure the
glaucoma is under control.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of timolol may be
absorbed into the bloodstream, and its safety in pregnancy has not been
established.  Birth defects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that
were given large doses of this drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding.  If this drug reaches the bloodstream and passes
into the breast milk, it can cause a slowed heart rate in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.