Common questions about timolol eye drops - Brand names: Eysano, Timoptol, Timoptol LA, Tiopex

Timolol eye drops are a type of medicine called a beta blocker. They're used to reduce high pressure in the eye that can cause glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

It is thought to work by reducing the amount of fluid that fills the front part of your eye, which lowers the pressure within your eye and stops your sight from getting worse.

You can use timolol eye drops for a long time. Most people use them for many years with no problems.

Timolol eye drops work as well as other beta blockers for reducing pressure in your eye. Other beta blocker eye drops include betaxolol and levobunolol which may be used instead of timolol.

There are other eye drops which work in different ways to timolol eye drops but can also be used to lower the pressure in your eye. They include:

• prostaglandin analogues – for example, latanoprost and bimatoprost
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – for example brinzolamide and dorzolamide
• sympathomimetics – for e click angina xample brimonidine and apraclonidine
• miotics – for example pilocarpine

Sometimes you might have to try other eye drops if you get side effects with timolol.

Many people need to use a combination of different eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye.

If you have an existing heart condition, there are no reports of timolol making it worse.

But in rare cases, side effects of timolol can include chest pain (angina) or an irregular heart rate (palpitations).

These side effects are unlikely to happen with timolol eye drops. This is because less, if any, of the medicine enters your body than if you were taking timolol tablets.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you start using timolol eye drops if you have a heart condition.

Timolol eye drops do not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

Using timolol eye drops may cause side effects which affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery. These side effects include feeling dizzy or tired, or changes in your eyesight such as blurred vision.

If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel well and you can see clearly again.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking timolol tablets. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

Many people with glaucoma can continue driving a car or motorbike, but their eyesight must meet the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) standards.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using timolol eye drops.

You can eat and drink normally while using timolol eye drops.