Generic name: Timolol
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Blocadren?
Timolol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Timolol is sometimes given with other blood pressure medication.
Timolol is also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack, or to lower the risk of having another heart attack.
Timolol is also used to prevent migraine headaches.
Timolol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use timolol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
- a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (second or third degree);
- very slow heartbeats;
- heart failure; or
- if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- congestive heart failure;
- coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
- diabetes;
- overactive thyroid;
- liver or kidney disease;
- myasthenia gravis or other muscle disorders;
- allergies (or if you are undergoing allergy treatments or skin-testing);
- peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome; or
- a condition for which you are being treated with IV heart or blood pressure medication (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, or verapamil).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Timolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Timolol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Blocadren
Use Blocadren (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using timolol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
You should not stop using timolol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure: Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
If you are taking timolol to prevent migraine headaches: It may take 6 to 8 weeks of daily use before timolol is fully effective. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if you still have migraine headaches.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Blocadren side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- new or worsening chest pain;
- slow or uneven heartbeats;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
- muscle weakness;
- drooping eyelids, vision problems; or
- a cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Common side effects may include:
- slow heartbeats;
- dizziness; or
- tiredness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Blocadren?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.