Timolol

Timolol is a beta blocker medication used either by mouth or as eye drops. As eye drops it is used to treat increased pressure inside the eye such as in ocular hypertension and glaucoma. By mouth it is used for high blood pressure, chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart, to prevent further complications after a heart attack, and to prevent migraines. Common side effects with the drops is irritation of the eye. Common side effects by mouth include tiredness, slow heart beat, itchiness, and shortness of breath. Other side effects include masking the symptoms of low blood sugar in those with diabetes. Use is not recommended in those with asthma, uncompensated heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the fetus. Timolol is a non-selective beta blocker. Timolol was patented in 1968, and came into medical use in 1978. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Timolol is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 173rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions.