Hypersensitivity to catecholamines has been observed in patients withdrawn from beta-blocker therapy; exacerbation of angina and, in some cases, myocardial infarction have occurred after abrupt discontinuation of such therapy. When discontinuing chronically administered timolol, particularly in patients with ischemic heart disease, gradually reduce the dosage over a period of one to two weeks and carefully monitor the patient. If angina markedly worsens or acute coronary insufficiency develops, reinstitute timolol administration promptly, at least temporarily, and take other measures appropriate for the management of unstable angina. Warn patients against interruption of discontinuation of therapy without the physician's advice. Because coronary artery disease is common and may be unrecognized, it may be prudent not to discontinue timolol therapy abruptly, even in patients treated only for hypertension.
There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling. However, timolol is primarily eliminated renally; dosage reduction may be necessary. Significant hypotension has been seen in patients with severe impairment and undergoing dialysis. Use with caution.
There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling. However, timolol is partially metabolized by the liver; dosage reduction may be necessary.
Refer to adult dosing.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (5% to 9%), cardiac arrhythmia (1%), cold extremity (8%), heart failure (8%), hypotension (3%)
Dermatologic: Pruritus (1%)
Gastrointestinal: GI adverse effects (≤8%; including nausea)
Nervous system: Asthenia (≤5%), dizziness (2% to 6%), fatigue (≤5%)
Ophthalmic: Eye irritation (1%)
Respiratory: Bronchial obstruction (2%), dyspnea (2%), pulmonary edema (2%)
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain, syncope
Endocrine & metabolic: Decreased libido
Nervous system: Paresthesia, vertigo
Otic: Tinnitus
Respiratory: Bronchospasm, rales
Frequency not defined:
Endocrine & metabolic: Decreased HDL cholesterol, increased serum potassium, increased serum triglycerides, increased uric acid
Hematologic & oncologic: Decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin
Renal: Increased blood urea nitrogen
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Arterial insufficiency (exacerbation), exacerbation of angina pectoris, palpitations, Raynaud disease, vasodilation
Dermatologic: Alopecia, diaphoresis, skin hyperpigmentation, skin irritation, skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting
Genitourinary: Difficulty in micturition, erectile dysfunction, retroperitoneal fibrosis
Hematologic & oncologic: Nonthrombocytopenic purpura
Hepatic: Hepatomegaly, increased liver enzymes
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis
Nervous system: Cerebrovascular accident, depression, drowsiness, exacerbation of myasthenia gravis, hallucination, insomnia, lack of concentration, nervousness, nightmares
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, lower extremity pain, upper extremity pain
Ophthalmic: Blepharoptosis, diplopia, dry eye syndrome (Frais 1979), visual disturbance
Respiratory: Cough
Miscellaneous: Decreased exercise tolerance, fever
Hypersensitivity to timolol or any component of the formulation; sinus bradycardia; second- or third-degree heart block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker); cardiogenic shock; overt cardiac failure; bronchial asthma (or history of); severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension; significant cardiomegaly; allergic rhinitis; anesthesia with agents that produce myocardial depression (eg, ether hypersensitivity to timolol maleate).
Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Concerns related to adverse events:
• Anaphylactic reactions: Use caution with history of severe anaphylaxis to allergens; patients taking beta-blockers may become more sensitive to repeated challenges. Treatment of anaphylaxis (eg, epinephrine) in patients taking beta-blockers may be ineffective or promote undesirable effects.
Disease-related concerns:
• Bronchospastic disease: In general, patients with bronchospastic disease should not receive beta-blockers; if used at all, should be used cautiously with close monitoring.
• Conduction abnormality: Consider preexisting conditions such as sick sinus syndrome before initiating.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may potentiate hypoglycemia and/or mask signs and symptoms.
• Heart failure: Use with caution in patients with compensated heart failure and monitor for a worsening of the condition.
• Myasthenia gravis: Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; can worsen.
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and Raynaud disease: Can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with PVD and Raynaud disease. Use with caution and monitor for progression of arterial obstruction.
• Pheochromocytoma (untreated): Adequate alpha-blockade is required prior to use of any beta-blocker.
• Psoriasis: Beta-blocker use has been associated with induction or exacerbation of psoriasis, but cause and effect have not been firmly established.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment; marked hypotension can occur in patients maintained on hemodialysis.
• Thyroid disease: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism (eg, tachycardia). If thyrotoxicosis is suspected, carefully manage and monitor; abrupt withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism or precipitate thyroid storm.
• Vasospastic angina: Beta-blockers without alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocking activity should be avoided in patients with Prinzmetal variant angina since unopposed alpha1-adrenergic receptors mediate coronary vasoconstriction and can worsen anginal symptoms (Mayer 1998).
Special populations:
• Older adults: Bradycardia may be observed more frequently in patients >65 years of age; dosage reductions may be necessary.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abrupt withdrawal: [US Boxed Warning]: Beta-blocker therapy should not be withdrawn abruptly (particularly in patients with CAD), but gradually tapered to avoid acute tachycardia, hypertension, and/or ischemia. Severe exacerbation of angina, ventricular arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction (MI) have been reported following abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Temporary but prompt resumption of beta-blocker therapy may be indicated with worsening of angina or acute coronary insufficiency.
• Major surgery: Chronic beta-blocker therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral, as maleate:
Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Yes
Tablets (Timolol Maleate Oral)
5 mg (per each): $1.32 - $1.38
10 mg (per each): $1.63 - $1.70
20 mg (per each): $3.02 - $3.14
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral, as maleate:
Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Oral: Administer with food at the same time each day.
Hypertension: Management of hypertension. Note: Beta-blockers are not recommended as first-line therapy (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]).
Migraine, prevention: Prevention of migraine.
Myocardial infarction, secondary prevention: To reduce mortality following MI.
Timolol may be confused with atenolol, Tylenol
Substrate of CYP2D6 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ajmaline: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha2-Agonists: May enhance the AV-blocking effect of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Beta-Blockers may enhance the rebound hypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amiodarone: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Possibly to the point of cardiac arrest. Amiodarone may increase the serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amphetamines: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antidiabetic Agents: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may decrease the metabolism of Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines). Antipsychotic Agents (Phenothiazines) may decrease the metabolism of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Arginine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Artemether and Lumefantrine: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benperidol: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Beta2-Agonists: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid combination
Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May enhance the bradycardic effect of other Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brigatinib: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may enhance the bradycardic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May diminish the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Cannabis: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cannabis. Specifically, the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ceritinib: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ceritinib. Management: If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for evidence of symptomatic bradycardia, and closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cholinergic Agonists: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Cholinergic Agonists. Of particular concern are the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities and bronchoconstriction. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase the serum concentration of Timolol (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase the serum concentration of Timolol (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dexmethylphenidate: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dipyridamole: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Disopyramide: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Disopyramide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DOBUTamine: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of DOBUTamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dronedarone: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Dronedarone may increase the serum concentration of Beta-Blockers. This likely applies only to those agents that are metabolized by CYP2D6. Management: Use lower initial beta-blocker doses; adequate tolerance of the combination, based on ECG findings, should be confirmed prior to any increase in beta-blocker dose. Increase monitoring for clinical response and adverse effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPHEDrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of EPHEDrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Nasal): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Oral Inhalation). Risk C: Monitor therapy
EPINEPHrine (Systemic): Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): Beta-Blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Etilefrine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Etilefrine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Etofylline: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Etofylline. Risk X: Avoid combination
Etrasimod: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fexinidazole: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid combination
Fingolimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Fingolimod. Management: Consult with the prescriber of any bradycardia-causing agent to see if the agent could be switched to an agent that does not cause bradycardia prior to initiating fingolimod. If combined, perform continuous ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Flunarizine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract): Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract). More specifically, Beta-Blockers may inhibit the ability to effectively treat severe allergic reactions to Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (5 Grass Extract) with epinephrine. Some other effects of epinephrine may be unaffected or even enhanced (e.g., vasoconstriction) during treatment with Beta-Blockers. Management: Consider alternatives to either grass pollen allergen extract (5 grass extract) or beta-blockers in patients with indications for both agents. Canadian product labeling specifically lists this combination as contraindicated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Iloperidone: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Indoramin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Insulins: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Insulins. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Isocarboxazid: May enhance the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Isoproterenol: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Isoproterenol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the AV-blocking effect of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loop Diuretics: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lormetazepam: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mavacamten: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mavacamten. Specifically, negative inotropic effects may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mavorixafor: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Methacholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methacholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methoxyflurane: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methylphenidate: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Midodrine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mivacurium: Beta-Blockers may enhance the therapeutic effect of Mivacurium. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Naftopidil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicergoline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
NIFEdipine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitrendipine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ozanimod: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Peginterferon Alfa-2b: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Peginterferon Alfa-2b may increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
PHENobarbital: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Timolol (Systemic). PHENobarbital may decrease the serum concentration of Timolol (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Reserpine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Reserpine may enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rivastigmine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk X: Avoid combination
Silodosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may enhance the bradycardic effect of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Succinylcholine: Beta-Blockers may enhance the neuromuscular-blocking effect of Succinylcholine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sulfonylureas: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sulfonylureas. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tasimelteon: Beta-Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Tasimelteon. Management: Consider avoiding nighttime administration of beta-blockers during tasimelteon therapy due to the potential for reduced tasimelteon efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: Beta-Blockers (Nonselective) may diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Tofacitinib: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
White Birch Allergen Extract: Beta-Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of White Birch Allergen Extract. Specifically, beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta-agonists that may be required to treat systemic reactions to white birch allergen extract. Risk X: Avoid combination
Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be used in patients trying to conceive. Timolol is not considered a preferred agent for use in pregnant patients; consider transitioning to a preferred agent in patients planning to become pregnant (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019).
Timolol is approved for prevention of migraines. In general, preventive treatment for migraine in patients trying to become pregnant should be avoided. Options for patients planning a pregnancy should be considered as part of a shared decision-making process. Nonpharmacologic interventions should be considered initially. When needed, preventive treatment should be individualized considering the available safety data and needs of the patient should pregnancy occur. A gradual discontinuation of preventive medications is generally preferred when the decision is made to stop treatment prior to conception (ACOG 2022; AHS [Ailani 2021]).
Decreased libido and impotence are noted in product labeling following use of timolol. As a class, outcomes from available studies evaluating beta-blockers and sexual dysfunction are inconsistent, and the negative effects on erectile function and libido are considered controversial. A clear relationship between use of beta-blockers and erectile dysfunction has not been established. Hypertension itself is associated with erectile dysfunction. Patients on a beta-blocker presenting with sexual dysfunction should be evaluated for underlying disease (Farmakis 2021; Levine 2012; Semet 2017; Terentes-Printzios 2022; Viigimaa 2020).
Timolol crosses the placenta (Schneider 1988).
Exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk for adverse events in the neonate. Decreased fetal heart rate has been observed following maternal use of timolol during pregnancy (Devoe 1986). If maternal use of a beta-blocker is needed, monitor fetal growth during pregnancy; monitor the newborn for 48 hours after delivery for bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]).
Chronic maternal hypertension is also associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).
Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment of hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, agents other than timolol may be preferred (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]; SOGC [Magee 2022]).
In general, preventive treatment for migraine should be avoided during pregnancy. Options for pregnant patients should be considered as part of a shared decision-making process. Nonpharmacologic interventions should be considered initially. When needed, preventive treatment should be individualized considering the available safety data, the potential for adverse maternal and fetal events, and needs of the patient (ACOG 2022; AHS [Ailani 2021]). If preventive therapy is needed, beta-blockers may be considered (ACOG 2022) however agents other than timolol are preferred (CHS [Pringsheim 2012]).
Timolol is present in breast milk.
Based on data obtained following maternal use of ophthalmic timolol, it is recommended that breastfeeding infants (especially those with cardiorespiratory problems) be monitored for adverse events (Madadi 2008).
Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, the manufacturer recommends a decision be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or the drug, considering the importance of treatment to the mother.
When treatment for hypertension is needed in a breastfeeding patient, consider use of an agent other than timolol (ACOG 2019).
In general, preventive treatment for migraine in lactating patients should be avoided. When needed, therapy should be individualized considering the available safety data and needs of the patient (AHS [Ailani 2021]).
Should be administered with food at the same time each day.
Blood pressure, heart rate; ECG; mental alertness; signs and symptoms of bronchospasm in patients with existing bronchospastic disease; serum glucose (in patients with diabetes).
Blood pressure goal: May vary depending on clinical conditions, different clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion. Refer to "Clinical Practice Guidelines" for specific treatment goals.
Blocks both beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors; reduces blood pressure by blocking adrenergic receptors and decreasing sympathetic outflow, produces a negative chronotropic and inotropic activity through an unknown mechanism
Onset of action: Hypotensive: 15 to 45 minutes
Peak effect: 0.5 to 2.5 hours
Duration: ~4 hours
Absorption: Rapid and complete (~90%)
Distribution: Vd: 1.7 L/kg
Protein binding: 60%
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic via CYP2D6; extensive first-pass effect
Bioavailability: 50%
Half-life elimination: 2 to 2.7 hours; prolonged with renal impairment
Time to peak, plasma: 1 to 2 hours
Excretion: Urine (15% to 20% as unchanged drug)
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