Timoptol XE 0.5%

Timoptol-XE general information

What is Timoptol-XE used for?

Timoptol-XE gel-forming eye drops 0.5% are used to lower pressure within the eye caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour). This increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), can cause glaucoma, which defines a group of eye disorders that affects the optic nerve, causing damage to the optic nerve fibres leading out of the back of the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve may lead gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. Timoptol-XE 0.5% is used to treat glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma (the most common form of glaucoma), as well as some forms of secondary glaucoma, which is caused by another disease; also to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOC without ocular nerve damage) in people who do not have glaucoma. Timoptol-XE can either be used alone or in combination with other medications (not another beta-blockers) or as an alternative if other treatments have not been effective or cannot be used.

How does Timoptol-XE work?

Timoptol-XE gel-forming eye drops 0.5% contain timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker that in its oral form is used to treat hypertension and prevent heart attack, however, in its ophthalmic form it is used to treat glaucoma. The build up of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually by ciliary processes of the eye, as a result of filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels) to maintain normal eye pressure. Beta-adrenergic receptors are found in many different cells, including the ciliary processes and it is thought that timolol in Timoptol-XE 0.5% binds to the beta receptors on the ciliary epithelium and blocks their action, which reduces aqueous humour production. Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% restore the balance in the flow of fluid into and out of the eye and this reduces IOP and the risk of damage to the optic nerve, which helps prevent loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated. Timoptol-XE contains a delivery vehicle that forms a clear gel when the eye drop contacts the eye and this keeps the active ingredient in contact with the eye needs for longer so that you only need to administer the eye drops once a day.

What does Timoptol-XE contain?

Timoptol-XE gel-forming eye drops 0.5% contain the active ingredient timolol maleate (5mg/mL), a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat glaucoma. They also contain gellan gum, mannitol, tromethamine, water and benzododecinium bromide 0.012% as preservative.

Treating glaucoma with Timoptol XE

Timoptol-XE gel-forming eye drops 0.5% contain timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker in an ophthalmic formula that is used to treat glaucoma. The build up of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually by ciliary processes of the eye to maintain normal eye pressure. Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. It is thought that timolol in Timoptol-XE 0.5 binds to the beta receptors on the ciliary epithelium and blocks their action, which reduces aqueous humour production. Timoptol-XE 0.5% helps restore the balance in the flow of fluid into and out of the eye, which reduces IOP and the risk of damage to the optic nerve and helps prevent loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.

What are the side effects of Timoptol XE?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% include: burning, stinging, itching eyes, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, watering and redness of the eye, swelling of the eyelid (blepharitis), blurred vision, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis), nausea, diarrhoea, headache, tiredness, dizziness, weakness. Other reported side effects include cardiovascular effects like change in heart beat and palpitations.

When should Timoptol-XE not be used?

You should not use Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% if you:

• are allergic to timolol or any ingredients in Timoptol-XE 0.5%
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have a history of atopy or severe anaphylactic reaction, as timolol may cause you to be more reactive to allergens that cause a reaction
• wear soft contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Travatan eye drops
• have bronchial asthma or other obstructive lung disorders or a history of bronchospasm
• have certain heart conditions, such as uncontrolled heart failure, cardiogenic shock or sick sinus syndrome
• have a very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)
• are taking medicines that interact with Timoptol XE, including: other beta-blockers, such as some medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions, the antiarrhythmic quinidine, SSRI antidepressants, digoxin for heart failure, the antipsychotic and antihypertensive reserpine, calcium channel blockers like nifedipine and diltiazem

What medications interact with Timoptol XE?

Several medications interact with Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% and should either not be taken while you are taking Timoptol-XE or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Timoptol XE: the antiarrhythmic quinidine, calcium channel blockers like nifedipine and diltiazem, digoxin for heart failure, the antipsychotic and antihypertensive reserpine
• Drugs that affect Timoptol XE: SSRI antidepressants
• Drugs that are affected by Timoptol XE: other beta-blockers, such as some medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions

How should Timoptol-XE be used?

You should take your Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, and following the instructions provided. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops. If you are using another eye medication you should apply the other eye drops at least 10 minutes before you apply your Timoptol-XE eye drops. If your intraocular pressure (IOP) has not improved, your doctor may increase your dose. You should continue to use your Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

How long should you use Timoptol XE?

You should continue to use your Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Timoptol XE

If you miss a dose of Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Timoptol-XE be stored?

You should store your Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% in a cool place where the temperature stays below 30°C and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination. Discard the bottle of Timoptol-XE eye drops 0.5% 4 weeks after opening.