Generic

Timolol Maleate

Indications

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution is indicated for the treatment of glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

Pharmacology

Timolol is a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor inhibitor. It has no significant intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, direct myocardial inhibitory activity, or local analog activity. The exact mechanism of the ocular hypotensive effect is not clear, but it is believed to be related to reduced aqueous humor formation. Blocking also lowers BP.

Dosage & Administration

Eye drops Solution: Initially, instill 1 drop of 0.25% solution bid into the affected eye(s), which may increase to 1 drop of 0.5% solution bid if there is an inadequate response; decrease to 1 drop once daily if controlled. Do not exceed 1 drop bid of 0.5% solution.

Gel-forming eye drops: 0.25% or 0.5% Gel-forming eye drops: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) once daily.

Interaction

Although timolol used alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis due to concomitant treatment with timolol maleate and epinephrine has occasionally been reported. Drug interactions with timolol maleate have been observed with the concomitant use of beta-blockers (both oral and topical), calcium antagonists, catecholamine-reducing drugs, digitalis, quinidine, clonidine, injectable epinephrine.

Contraindications

Timolol is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma, a history of bronchial asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, presenting with heart failure, cardiogenic shock, Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in this product.

Side Effects

Burning and stinging sensation, bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmia and lymph node block AV or AS, CHF, pulmonary edema, Raynaud’s phenomenon, headache, dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, difficulty abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, hypoglycemia.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Timolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit is comparable to the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Timolol has been detected in breast milk following oral and ophthalmic administration. Because of the potential for serious side effects of timolol in a nursing infant, a decision must be made.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients with inadequate cardiac function, MD, myasthenia gravis, cerebrovascular insufficiency, history of allergy. Avoid abrupt discontinuation as it may worsen symptoms of angina or precipitate MI in patients with coronary artery disease, or trigger a thyroid crisis in patients with thyrotoxicosis. The patient is undergoing major surgery. May mask signs of hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia. Ophth soln should not be used as monotherapy for narrow-angle glaucoma. Kidney and liver failure. Pregnancy and lactation.

Therapeutic Class

Drugs for miotics and glaucoma

Storage Conditions

Store between 15-30° C. Avoid freezing and protect from light.

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.