Timolong Eye Drop (Timolol 0.5%)

INTRODUCTION

TIMOLONG contains Timolol which belongs to the group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is used to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a type of eye condition characterized by increased intra-ocular pressure which damages your optic nerve. As a result, it causes eye pain, visual disturbances, peripheral loss of vision or even complete blindness.

Timolol acts by reducing the increased pressure in your eyes by decreasing the production of aqueous humor. TIMOLONG is meant for ophthalmic use only. While applying this medicine, avoid wearing soft contact lenses because the preservatives present in the medicine can be deposited on the lenses. It is important to remove your lenses before using this medicine and not to put it back into your eyes for at least 15 minutes. In order to avoid any possible contamination of the container, try to keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface.

The most common side effects of using this medicine are eye irritation, pain or redness, inflammation of eyelids or blurred vision. Contact your doctor if these symptom bothers you. Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any heart or lung disease. Do not use TIMOLONG if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in newborns, infants and in children or adolescents. Careful monitoring for any abnormal breathing patterns is required in such patients.

USES OF TIMOLONG

Treat glaucoma

HOW TIMOLONG WORKS

Timolol is a beta-adrenergic antagonist. It inhibits the beta-adrenergic receptors present in the ciliary body of the eyes, leading to decreased production of aqueous humor and, therefore, decreases intraocular pressure.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use TIMOLONG as directed by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands thoroughly before application. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid. Place one or two drops of this medicine in the lower eyelid and close your eyes for 2 minutes. Repeat the process for the other eye if required. Close the bottle and wash your hands after application.

Do not touch the tip of the container with your eyes, eyelids or fingers. In order to avoid any possible contamination of the container, try to keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface. Your doctor will decide the number of doses, number of drops and duration of the therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Continue to use this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TIMOLONG

SERIOUS
Allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling beneath the skin of the face and limbs and difficulty in swallowing or breathing)
COMMON
Eye irritation, pain, itching or redness
Blurred vision, dizziness
Inflammation of the eyelids
Abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, low blood pressure
Difficulty in breathing
Sexual dysfunction in men
Hair loss
Muscle weakness or pain

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Eye irritation, pain, itching or redness:

Close your eyes. Keep an ice pack on your eyes. This might comfort you from eye pain or itching. Avoid watching television, mobile phones, laptops or any other light sources. If the symptom does not get better, contact your doctor.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid traveling, driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor for advice.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
TIMOLONG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.

BREASTFEEDING
TIMOLONG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor for advice.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines, because this medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision or drooping of the upper eyelid.

ALLERGY
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to timolol.

LUNGS
TIMOLONG is not recommended for use in patients who have or had any respiratory problems such as asthma, severe chronic obstructive bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the past. Consult your doctor for advice.

HEART DISEASE
TIMOLONG is not recommended for use in patients having heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, coronary heart disease, heart failure, low blood pressure or cardiogenic shock. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Before using TIMOLONG, inform your doctor if you:

Have or had any poor blood circulation disease (e.g. Raynaud’s syndrome) in the past
Have diabetes
Have an overactive thyroid gland
Are wearing soft contact lenses
Are going to have any operation or surgery

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Other oral or ophthalmic beta-blockers (such as propranolol, atenolol, betaxolol, levobunolol)
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem), catecholamine-depleting agents (e.g. rauwolfia alkaloids or reserpine) or clonidine
Digoxin (used to treat irregular heartbeat or heart failure)
Quinidine (used to treat malaria or heart problems)
Medicines used to treat depression (e.g. fluoxetine and paroxetine)
Adrenaline (used to treat severe allergic reaction)