Betimol ratings & reviews

Betimol is an ophthalmic solution containing the active ingredient timolol hemihydrate, which is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist. It comes as a sterile, isotonic solution at a dosage strength of 0.5% for ophthalmic use. Key inactive ingredients include monosodium and disodium phosphate dihydrate and benzalkonium chloride as a preservative.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surfaces. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature. Protect from light. See product label for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication as instructed or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Having surgery
• Heart or blood vessel conditions, such as slow heartbeat, heart failure, heart block
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Myasthenia gravis
• Thyroid disease
• Wear contact lenses
• An unusual or allergic reaction to timolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not use other eye products without talking to your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

Remove soft contact lenses before using these eye drops. You can put your contact lenses back in 15 minutes after you use the eye drops.