Arrow - Timolol 0.5% 5ml

Arrow-Timolol general information

What is Arrow-Timolol used for?

Arrow-Timolol 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 leading to total blindness in that eye. Arrow-Timolol 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. Arrow-Timolol eye drops 0.5% 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 Arrow-Timolol work?

Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol 0.5% binds to the beta receptors on the ciliary epithelium and blocks their action, which reduces aqueous humour production. Arrow-Timolol 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.

What does Arrow-Timolol contain?

Arrow-Timolol eye drops 0.5% contain the active ingredient timolol maleate (5mg/mL), a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker used to treat glaucoma. They also contain monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, sodium chloride, disodium edetate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide, water for injection and benzalkonium chloride 0.01% as preservative.

Treating glaucoma with Arrow-Timolol

Arrow-Timolol 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 to gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. It is thought that timolol in Arrow-Timolol 0.5 binds to the beta receptors on the ciliary epithelium and blocks their action, which reduces aqueous humour production. Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol not be used?

You should not use Arrow-Timolol 0.5% if you:

• are allergic to timolol or any ingredients in Arrow-Timolol
• 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 Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol, 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 Arrow-Timolol?

Several medications interact with Arrow-Timolol and should either not be taken while you are taking Arrow-Timolol or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

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

How should Arrow-Timolol be taken?

You should take your Arrow-Timolol eye drops 0.5% by applying one drop into the affected eye, twice daily, and following the instructions provided. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Arrow-Timolol eye drops 0.5% and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops. If your intraocular pressure (IOP) is maintained at satisfactory levels, usually after 2-4 weeks, your doctor may reduce your dose to once daily. You should continue to use your Arrow-Timolol 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 take Arrow-Timolol?

You should continue to use your Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol

If you miss a dose of Arrow-Timolol 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 Arrow-Timolol be stored?

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