Timolol is an ophthalmologic antiglaucoma remedy, which is on the list of vital and essential medicines. Consider the basic data on the drops for the eyes of Timolol, which the patient needs when using this medication.
Composition and form of Timolol preparation
As a rule, eye drops of Timolol are available in plastic bottles-droppers. The active component of the drug is timolol in the form of maleate (maleic acid salt). The active substance content in these eye drops may be 0.5% (5 mg timolol in 1 ml solution) or 0.25% (2.5 mg timolol in 1 ml solution).
Additives for eye drops timolol:
- sodium chloride;
- benzalkonium chloride;
- sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate;
- disodium phosphate dodecahydrate;
- sodium edetate;
- distilled water.
Indications for the use of drops Timolol:
- ocular hypertension (increased intraocular pressure);
- chronic open - angle glaucoma ;
- Closed-angle glaucoma (in combination with miotics);
- secondary glaucoma (uveal, posttraumatic, aphakic);
- Congenital glaucoma (with ineffectiveness of other therapeutic measures).
Pharmacological action of eye drops Timolol
The main substance of the drug is a highly active, non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (a tool that slows the holding of nerve impulses).
The effect of the drug is mainly due to a decrease in the secretion of the intraocular fluid, but some increase in outflow is not excluded. Drops of timolol do not affect the size of the pupil, accommodation and refraction, and also allow monitoring of intraocular pressure (ophthalmotonus) during sleep.
Reduction of ophthalmotonus is achieved both with normal initial and with increased intraocular pressure. The effect is observed, as a rule, 20 minutes after the application of the drug, reaches a maximum after 1 to 2 hours. The duration of action of drops of timolol is about 24 hours.
Timolol maleate is rapidly absorbed through the cornea. In a small amount, the drug enters the systemic circulation by absorption through the vessels of the conjunctiva and tear duct.
Method of administration and mode of dosing timolol
According to the instructions for the use of eye drops Timolol, the drug is administered one drop every 1-2 times a day in the lower conjunctival sac of the affected eye. The concentration of the solution is recommended by the doctor individually. If there is insufficient efficiency, you should proceed to use a more concentrated solution. After stabilizing the intraocular pressure, the dose of the drug drops to 1 drop once a day.
The drug is intended for long-term use (on average, up to 6 weeks). The duration of the treatment course depends on the course of the disease. A break in the use of drops of timolol or a change in the dose can be carried out only upon the recommendation of the attending physician.
Side Effects of Timolol Drops:
- reduction of lacrimation;
- corneal anesthesia;
- point surface keratopathy;
- symptoms of mild irritation.
In some patients with prolonged use of the drug, systemic effects are possible:
- arrhythmia;
- bradycardia;
- systemic hypotension;
- shortness of breath ;
- bronchospasm;
- dizziness.
Contraindications to the use of drops Timolol:
- bronchial asthma;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- sinus bradycardia;
- atrioventricular blockade of II and III degree;
- diabetes;
- heart failure;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Timolol - analogues
Timolol in consultation with a doctor can be replaced with drugs that have a similar pharmacological effect. These include:
- Asopt;
- Fotil;
- Okumed;
- Xalatan;
- Pilocarpine;
- Betoptik.