What is Betimol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Betimol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic in Ocudose, Timoptic Ocumeter Plus, Timoptic-XE, Timoptic-XE Ocumeter Plus, Timoptic-XE Ocumeter Plus

Generic Names:

  • Betimol

Uses:

  • Treats increased pressure in the eye that is caused by glaucoma or ocular (eye) hypertension. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiglaucoma

Forms:

  • Gel-Forming Solution, Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What form(s) does Betimol come in

  • Gel-Forming Solution

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Betimol doses?

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.25%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.5%

  • Bottle 10ML of 0.5%

  • Bottle 15ML of 0.5%

Common Betimol prescriptions

  • Betimol
    10ml of 0.5% bottle

  • Betimol
    15ml of 0.5% bottle

  • Betimol
    5ml of 0.25% bottle

  • Betimol
    5ml of 0.5% bottle

How to take Betimol

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the medicine immediately after opening and throw away any unused medicine after use.

  • Shake the regular eye drops well just before each use. If you are using the gel-forming eye drops, turn the bottle upside down and shake it one time. You do not need to shake the gel-forming eye drops more than once.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Shake the regular eye drops well just before each use. If you are using the gel-forming eye drops, turn the bottle upside down and shake it one time. You do not need to shake the gel-forming eye drops more than once.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the medicine immediately after opening and throw away any unused medicine after use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Betimol

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Betimol contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to timolol.

Betimol warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, severe COPD, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, slow heartbeat, stroke, myasthenia gravis, thyroid problems, or a history of asthma.

  • Ophthalmic routeIf you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Betimol interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using a beta-blocker medicine that is taken by the mouth.

  • Some medicines can affect how timolol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Clonidine, digoxin, quinidine, reserpineBlood pressure medicineInsulin or other diabetes medicineMedicine to treat depression

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.

Betimol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing

  • Severe eye irritation or inflammation

  • Slow or uneven heartbeat

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Red, itching or watery eye

  • Double vision, drooping of upper eyelids

  • Muscle weakness

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion

  • Eye that is sensitive to light

  • Stinging or burning of the eye