Timolol+bimatoprost
About
Timolol+bimatoprost belongs to the class of medication called 'ophthalmic preparations' used to treat raised /increased pressure in the eye. It may lead to an illness called glaucoma. Timolol+bimatoprost is used alone or in combination with other drugs. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. This damaged nerve leads to an increase in eye pressure abnormally.
Timolol+bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost (prostaglandin analogue) and Timolol (beta-blocker), primarily used in treating ocular hypertension (high pressure of the eye). Bimatoprost works by increasing the drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye) from the eye and reducing eye pressure. Timolol works by decreasing the fluid production in the eye as the increased pressure can lead to a disease called glaucoma. If the pressure is too high, it can also lead to loss of sight. Timolol+bimatoprost should be put only in the infected eye, and contact with the normal eye should be avoided.
Use Timolol+bimatoprost as prescribed by your doctor. Timolol+bimatoprost is only for use in eyes. You are advised to use Timolol+bimatoprost for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. The most common side effects of Timolol+bimatoprost are eye pain, darkening of eyelashes, stinging sensation, irritation, foreign body sensation, change in the iris colour, itching, and burning sensation in the eye. Most of these side effects of Timolol+bimatoprost are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Put Timolol+bimatoprost only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. It would help if you did not stop taking Timolol+bimatoprost suddenly as it may increase eye pressure. Do not take Timolol+bimatoprost if you are allergic to sulphonamides, beta-blockers or have a severe kidney or liver disease. Check with your doctor before starting Timolol+bimatoprost if you have dry eyes and cornea problems. If you wear contact lenses or wear them, remove them before using Timolol+bimatoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost. Also, do not stop Timolol+bimatoprost abruptly as it may lead to severe side effects. Do not take any other eye medication with Timolol+bimatoprost, without consulting your doctor.
Uses of Timolol+bimatoprost
Medicinal Benefits
Timolol+bimatoprost is a combination drug containing 'ophthalmic medication,' used to treat raised /increased pressure in the eye. It contains Bimatoprost (prostaglandin analog) and Timolol (beta-blocker), primarily used in treating ocular hypertension (high pressure of the eye). Increased pressure is left untreated; it may lead to an illness called glaucoma. If the pressure is too high, it can also lead to loss of sight. Bimatoprost works by increasing the drainage of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye) from the eye and reducing eye pressure. Timolol works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Timolol+bimatoprost
- Eye pain
- Darkening of eyelashes
- Stinging sensation
- Irritation
- Foreign body sensation
- Change in colour of the iris
- Itching
- Burning sensation in the eye
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Timolol+bimatoprost if you are allergic or hypersensitive to Timolol+bimatoprost, other antibiotics, beta-blockers, sulfa drugs. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially eye medications, products that contain aspirin, and vitamins. If you have a kidney or liver problem, macular oedema, are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Timolol+bimatoprost, dose adjustment may be required. If you are taking any other eye medication, please tell your doctor prior. If you wear contact lenses or wearing them, remove them before using Timolol+bimatoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost. Wash your hands properly before using Timolol+bimatoprost to avoid any infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Timolol+bimatoprost is known to interact with blood pressure lowering medicines (atenolol, nifedipine, verapamil), heart medicine (quinidine), medicines to treat diabetes (metformin, glibenclamide), medicines to treat depression (fluoxetine and paroxetine), other prostaglandins ophthalmic medications (latanoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, unoprostone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Timolol+bimatoprost is known to interact with alcohol and other multivitamins you are taking.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Timolol+bimatoprost is known to interact if you have coronary heart disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, breathing problems (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Raynaud’s syndrome (poor blood circulation disease), overactivity of the thyroid gland, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, macular edema (swelling of retina).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Timolol+bimatoprost. But intake of alcohol with Timolol+bimatoprost may damage your liver. So intake of Timolol+bimatoprost should be avoided with Timolol+bimatoprost.
Pregnancy
cautionTimolol+bimatoprost is a pregnancy Category C medicine. It may affect pregnant women or the fetus. Hence, the intake of Timolol+bimatoprost should be avoided if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as it may harm the baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionTimolol+bimatoprost is excreted in human milk. But the amount of Timolol+bimatoprost absorbed by the nursing infant is unknown. So, it should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeTimolol+bimatoprost is known to cause blurry vision, so driving or operating any machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionTimolol+bimatoprost to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionTimolol+bimatoprost to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionTimolol+bimatoprost is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Timolol+bimatoprost as it can make you dehydrated and affect the eye pressure.
- Visit an optician regularly to monitor your eye pressure.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- A diet including green and leafy vegetables, and fruits helps to lower eye pressure.
- Do regular moderate exercise and appropriate rest is important for illness.
- Fruits and vegetables which contain Vitamin A and C help to improve vision and recover from the disease.
Special Advise
- Remove your contact lenses before using Timolol+bimatoprost to avoid any unpleasant side effect
- Do not use two eye medications together, maintain a gap of 10-15 minutes between the two.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: It is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. This damaged nerve leads to an increase in eye pressure abnormally. If not treated, it can lead to loss of vision. It is a major cause of blindness in people who are above the age of 60 years.
Ocular hypertension: It is a condition in which the pressure of the eye is higher than normal. The increased pressure can be due to certain other diseases, an injury, or an adverse effect of certain medications. If left untreated, it can lead to optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss.
FAQs
Timolol+bimatoprost is a combination drug containing 'ophthalmic medication,' used to treat raised /increased pressure in the eye. Bimatoprost works by increasing the drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye) from the eye and reducing eye pressure. Timolol works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Collectively, both of them reduce the increased eye pressure.
Timolol+bimatoprost contains a preservative named benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by the contact lenses and change the colour of contact lenses. So, please remove your lenses before putting Timolol+bimatoprost, and you can wear it 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost.
No, Timolol+bimatoprost should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
Do not stop taking Timolol+bimatoprost without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Timolol+bimatoprost, you may experience increased eye pressure. It can also lead to loss of sight. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
Yes, Timolol+bimatoprost is known to cause eye irritation as it contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. If you have dry eyes or any cornea disorder, please your doctor before using Timolol+bimatoprost as a dose adjustment may be required.
No, Timolol+bimatoprost should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. At least, a gap of 10-15 minutes should be there between using two eye medications.
