Applies to timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic gel forming solution, ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects of Timolol ophthalmic
Along with its needed effects, timolol ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking timolol ophthalmic:
More common
- Blurred vision
- burning or stinging in the eye
Less common
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- blisters, hives, welts, or itching
- blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- change in vision
- chest pain or discomfort
- chest tightness or heaviness
- confusion about identity, place, and time
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
- coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
- depression
- difficult, fast, noisy breathing
- difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or talking
- dilated neck veins
- discharge, excessive tearing
- disturbed color perception
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- double vision
- drooping eyelids
- dry or itching eyes
- extreme fatigue
- false sense of well-being
- fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- fear or nervousness
- feeling of having something in the eye
- fever and chills
- flashes of light, floaters in vision
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- hair loss
- halos around lights
- headache
- inability to speak
- increased sweating
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- loss of vision
- memory loss
- mood swings
- muscle or joint pain
- muscle weakness
- nausea
- night blindness
- no blood pressure or pulse
- overbright appearance of lights
- pain, tension, and weakness upon walking that subsides during periods of rest
- pale skin
- paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips, toes, hands, and feet
- personality changes
- pounding in the ears
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the skin
- redness, pain, swelling or irritation of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- seeing double
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- seizures
- severe numbness, especially on one side of the face or body
- severe or sudden headache
- severe tiredness
- skin irritation or rash, including rash that looks like psoriasis
- slurred speech
- sore throat
- stopping of heart
- sweating
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, lower legs, and ankles
- swollen glands
- temporary blindness
- tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
- tunnel vision
- unconsciousness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
- weight gain
Other side effects of Timolol ophthalmic
Some side effects of timolol ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Acid or sour stomach
- belching
- body aches or pain
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- ear congestion
- hearing loss
- heartburn
- indigestion
- lack or loss of strength
- loss of appetite
- loss of voice
- nightmares
- runny nose
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sneezing
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- stuffy nose
- trouble sleeping
- weight loss
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic gel forming solution, ophthalmic solution.
General
Gel-forming Solution: The most commonly reported side effects were transient blurred vision, burning, and stinging.
Long-acting Solution: The most commonly reported side effects included burning and stinging on administration.
Ophthalmic Solution: The most commonly reported side effects included localized burning and stinging.[Ref]
Local
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, localized rash, redness, signs/symptoms of ocular irritation, stinging, tearing
Gel-forming Solution:
Very common (10% or more): Burning (up to 12.5%), stinging (up to 12.5%)
Common (1% to 10%): Crusting, discharge, itching, pain
Frequency not reported: local weakness, localized rash, signs/symptoms of ocular irritation
Long-acting Solution:
Very common (10% or more): Burning (up to 38%), stinging (up to 38%)
Common (1% to 10%): Itching
Frequency not reported: Crusting, discharge, localized rash, signs/symptoms of ocular irritation
Postmarketing reports: Local weakness
Ophthalmic Solution:
Very common (10% or more): Biting sensation (up to 13%), burning sensation (up to 13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Itching, secretion, signs/symptoms of ocular irritation, stinging
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Localized rash
Frequency not reported: Local weakness[Ref]
Ocular
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Blepharitis, blurred vision, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery), conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctivitis, corneal erosion, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes, keratitis, refractive changes
Gel-forming Solution:
Very common (10% or more): Transient blurred vision (up to 33%)
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, conjunctival injection, conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation, tearing
Frequency not reported: Blepharitis, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery) corneal erosion, cystoid macular edema, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes, keratitis, redness, refractive changes, visual disturbances
Long-acting Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival injection, decreased visual acuity
Frequency not reported: Blepharitis, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery), conjunctivitis, cystoid macular edema, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes, foreign body sensation, keratitis, ocular pain, refractive changes, tearing, visual disturbances
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal vision, blepharitis, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival injection, conjunctivitis, corneal fluorescein staining, decreased corneal sensitivity, dry eyes, epiphora, eye discomfort, eye pain, eyelid erythema, foreign body sensation, keratitis, photophobia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Refractive changes, visual disturbance
Frequency not reported: Aphakic cystoid macular edema, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery), corneal calcification, corneal erosion, crusting, cystoid macular edema, discharge, ocular pain, redness, retinal vascular disorder, tearing[Ref]
In some patients, refractive changes occurred as a result of mitotic therapy withdrawal.
Corneal calcification occurred with phosphate-containing drops in patients with significantly damaged corneas.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Arrhythmia, atrioventricular (AV) block, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, chest pain, claudication, cold hands and feet, congestive heart failure, edema, hypotension, palpitations, Raynaud's phenomenon
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, chest pain, claudication, cold hands and feet, congestive heart failure, edema, heart block, hypertension, hypotension, palpitation, Raynaud's phenomenon, second-/third-degree AV block, sinoatrial block, vasodilation, worsening of angina pectoris, worsening of arterial insufficiency
Long-acting Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
Frequency not reported: Arrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, chest pain, claudication, cold hands and feet, edema, heart block, hypotension, palpitation, Raynaud's phenomenon, worsening of angina pectoris
Postmarketing reports: Vasodilation, worsening of arterial insufficiency
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, peripheral edema
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, chest pain, claudication, cold hands and feet, congestive heart failure, edema, heart block, hypotension, palpitation, Raynaud's phenomenon
Frequency not reported: Cardiac failure, second-/third-degree AV block, sinoatrial block, vasodilation, worsening of angina pectoris, worsening of arterial insufficiency[Ref]
Nervous system
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, diplopia, dizziness, dysgeusia, headache, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis, memory loss, paresthesia, ptosis, syncope
Gel-forming Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
Frequency not reported: Cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, diplopia, dysgeusia, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis, memory loss, paresthesia, ptosis, slightly clouded sensorium, somnolence, syncope, vertigo
Long-acting Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Frequency not reported: Cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, diplopia, dizziness, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis, memory loss, paresthesia, ptosis, somnolence, syncope
Postmarketing reports: Slightly clouded sensorium, vertigo
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, diplopia, increase in signs/symptoms of myasthenia gravis, memory loss, paresthesia, ptosis
Frequency not reported: Blepharoptosis, central nervous system (CNS) effects, dysgeusia, increased dreaming, slightly clouded sensorium, somnolence, syncope, vertigo[Ref]
Respiratory
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea
Gel-forming Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory infections
Frequency not reported: Asthma exacerbation, bronchial obstruction, bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea, laryngospasm with respiratory distress, nasal congestion, pulmonary edema, rales, respiratory failure
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea, nasal congestion, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, upper respiratory infections
Postmarketing reports: Bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm with respiratory distress, rales
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Respiratory infection, sinusitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm, cough, respiratory failure
Frequency not reported: Asthma exacerbation, bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm with respiratory distress, nasal congestion, pulmonary edema, rales, upper respiratory infections[Ref]
Bronchospasm most commonly occurred in patients with preexisting bronchospastic disease.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, ischemic colitis, mesenteric arterial thrombosis, nausea, vomiting
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea
Postmarketing reports: Gastrointestinal pain, ischemic colitis, mesenteric arterial thrombosis, vomiting
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, nausea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Diarrhea
Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal pain, ischemic colitis, mesenteric arterial thrombosis, vomiting[Ref]
Immunologic
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Antinuclear antibodies positive, psoriasis exacerbation
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Psoriasis exacerbation, retroperitoneal fibrosis
Long-acting Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Infection
Frequency not reported: Psoriasis exacerbation, retroperitoneal fibrosis
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Common cold
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Psoriasis exacerbation
Frequency not reported: Retroperitoneal fibrosis[Ref]
Other
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, fatigue
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue, fever combined with aching and sore throat, tinnitus
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, fatigue
Postmarketing reports: Decreased exercise tolerance, fever combined with aching and sore throat
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Tinnitus
Frequency not reported: Decreased exercise tolerance, fever with aching and sore throat[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, systemic allergic reactions
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, signs/symptoms of allergic reactions
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Angioedema, signs/symptoms of systemic allergic reactions
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, angioedema, signs/symptoms of allergic reactions
Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, hypersensitivity, signs/symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, systemic allergic reactions[Ref]
Psychiatric
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Decreased libido, depression, hallucination, insomnia, nightmares
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation to time/place, anxiety, behavioral changes, confusion, decreased libido, decreased performance on neuropsychometrics, depression, diminished concentration, disorientation, emotional lability, hallucinations, increased dreaming, insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, psychic disturbances, reversible mental depression progressing to catatonia
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Anxiety, behavioral changes, confusion, decreased libido, depression, disorientation, hallucinations, insomnia, nervousness, nightmares, psychic disturbances
Postmarketing reports: Acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation for time and place, decreased performance on neuropsychometrics, diminished concentration, emotional lability, reversible mental depression progression to catatonia
Ophthalmic Solution:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Decreased libido, insomnia, nightmares
Frequency not reported: Acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation for time and place, anxiety, behavioral changes, confusion, decreased/diminished concentration, decreased performance on neuropsychometrics, disorientation, emotional lability, hallucinations, nervousness, psychic disturbances, reversible mental depression progressing to catatonia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Myalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, extremity pain, myalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Systemic lupus erythematosus
Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia, extremity pain
Ophthalmic Solution:
Common (1% to 10%): Extremity pain
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Systemic lupus erythematosus
Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, myalgia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Alopecia, generalized rash, pruritus, psoriasiform rash, skin rash, urticaria
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Alopecia, erythematous rash, generalized rash, increased pigmentation, nonthrombocytopenic purpura, pruritus, pseudopemphigoid, psoriasiform rash, skin irritation, skin rash, sweating, thrombocytopenic purpura, urticaria
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Alopecia, generalized rash, pseudopemphigoid, psoriasiform rash, urticaria
Postmarketing reports: Erythematous rash, increased pigmentation, nonthrombocytopenic purpura, pruritus, skin irritation, sweating, thrombocytopenic purpura
Ophthalmic Solution:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, generalized rash, psoriasiform rash, urticaria
Frequency not reported: Erythematous rash, increased pigmentation, nonthrombocytopenic purpura, pruritus, pseudopemphigoid, skin irritation, skin rash, sweating, thrombocytopenic purpura[Ref]
Genitourinary
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Impotence, sexual dysfunction
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Impotence, micturition/urination difficulties, Peyronie's disease, sexual dysfunction
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Impotence, Peyronie's disease
Postmarketing reports: Urination difficulties
Ophthalmic Solution:
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Peyronie's disease
Frequency not reported: Impotence, micturition difficulty, sexual dysfunction, urinary difficulties[Ref]
Metabolic
Gel:
Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol slightly decreased, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, masked symptoms of hypoglycemia, serum potassium slightly increased, serum triglycerides slightly increased, serum uric acid slightly increased, weight loss
Long-acting Solution:
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, masked symptoms of hypoglycemia
Postmarketing reports: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, weight loss
Ophthalmic Solution:
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, HDL-cholesterol slightly decreased, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, masked symptoms of hypoglycemia, serum potassium increased, serum triglycerides increased, serum uric acid increased, weight loss[Ref]
Masked hypoglycemia symptoms occurred in patients with diabetes.[Ref]
Hematologic
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hematocrit slightly decreased, hemoglobin slightly decreased
Long-acting Solution:
Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis
Ophthalmic Solution:
Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hematocrit slightly decreased, hemoglobin slightly decreased[Ref]
Hepatic
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Hepatomegaly
Long-acting Solution:
Postmarketing reports: Hepatomegaly
Ophthalmic Solution:
Frequency not reported: Hepatomegaly[Ref]
Renal
Gel-forming Solution:
Frequency not reported: Serum urea slightly increased
Ophthalmic Solution:
Frequency not reported: Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)[Ref]