Timolol

Timolol is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions. Specifically, the tablets are used to treat high blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attacks and death in heart attack survivors, and prevent migraines. The eyedrop form is used to treat high eye pressure or glaucoma. Potential side effects seen with the medicine include nausea, blurred vision, and a slow heart rate.

What Is Timolol?

Timolol (Betimol®, Blocadren®, Istalol®, Timoptic®) is a prescription medication. It comes in the form of tablets and eyedrops. The tablets are used to treat high blood pressure, reduce the risk of repeat heart attacks and death in heart attack survivors, and prevent migraine headaches. The drops are used to treat high eye pressure or glaucoma.
 
(Click What Is Timolol Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects Seen With the Medicine

Just like any medicine, timolol may cause side effects.
 However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Slow heart rate
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Heart failure
  • Nausea
  • Eye burning or stinging
  • Blurred vision.
     
(Click Timolol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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