Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution

What is Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and glaucoma caused by another disease of the eye (secondary glaucoma). Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs

Benefits:

• Relieves pressure in your pet's eye
• Dropper bottle for ease of administration

How does Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution work?

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution is a beta-blocker which acts on receptors in the blood vessels in the eye causing them to constrict. This reduces the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) that passes out of the blood vessels into the eyeball. Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution also blocks the area of the eye that actively produces aqueous humor.

Cautions:

The dropper opening is sterile, so don't touch it to any surface, including eyes or hands. If it becomes contaminated, it may cause an infection in the eye.

Brand Name:

Timoptic (Merck)

Generic Name:

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution

What is the most important thing I should know about Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution is a beta-blocker used to reduce pressure inside the eye. Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high blood pressure inside the eye. It may be used for other purposes than those listed here. Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use this medication in dogs and cats. Timolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution on my pet?

Do not use this medication if your pet is allergic to timolol (Blocadren, Betimol, Isatol, Timoptic), or if your pet has asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions such as AV block, or severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure. Before using this medication, tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications or if your pet has a history of; breathing problems, heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, circulation problems, thyroid disorder, kidney disease or liver disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating or if you plan to breed your pet.

How should Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution be applied?

Consult your veterinarian for the directions for use. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

What are the potential side effects of Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if your pet experiences any signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop using the medication and call your veterinarian at once if any of the following serious side effects occur: swelling or redness of the eyelids; eye redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light; crusting or oozing of the eyes or eyelids; depression, confusion, unusual behavior; wheezing, gasping, or other breathing problems; rapid weight gain; shortness of breath. Continue using the medication and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has any of these less serious side effects: blurred vision or drooping eyelid, headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, skin rash, sleep problems, cough. Side effects other than those listed may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

An overdose of Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution may cause headache, dizziness, slow heartbeat, and trouble breathing. If you suspect that your pet has received an overdose of Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution, consult your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

What should I avoid while using Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Timolol ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. Do not use any other eye medication on your pet unless the veterinarian has to told you to do so. If your veterinarian tells you to use another eye drop, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using timolol ophthalmic. Do not use other eye drops at the same time.

What other drugs will affect Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution?

Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution may interact with beta-blocker eye medications such as betaxolol, carteolol, levobunolol, or metipranolol. Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution may also interact with beta-blocker heart or blood pressure medicines, including atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others. Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution may also interact with other heart or blood pressure medications, such as amiodarone, clonidine, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, nicardipine, nifedipine, reserpine, verapamil, and others.