Can't Find Timolol? Here Are Your Options

If your pharmacy can't fill your timolol prescription, you may be wondering: what else can I use? The good news is that there are several effective alternatives that can lower your eye pressure and protect your vision. But you should never switch medications on your own — always work with your doctor to find the right fit.

In this article, we'll explain what timolol does, how it works, and walk you through the most common alternatives your doctor might recommend.

What Is Timolol?

Timolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that's been used since the late 1970s to treat elevated eye pressure. It's available as eye drops (brand names include Timoptic, Timoptic-XE, Betimol, and Istalol) and as oral tablets for conditions like high blood pressure and migraine prevention.

For eye conditions, timolol is primarily prescribed for:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension

It's usually applied as one drop in each affected eye twice daily (or once daily for the gel-forming version). For full details, read our guide: What is timolol? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

How Does Timolol Work?

Your eye constantly produces a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid nourishes the eye and then drains out through a structure called the trabecular meshwork. When the drainage system doesn't work properly, fluid builds up and eye pressure rises — which can damage the optic nerve over time.

Timolol blocks beta-adrenergic receptors on the ciliary body (the part of the eye that produces aqueous humor), which reduces fluid production and lowers intraocular pressure. For a more detailed explanation, see How does timolol work? Mechanism of action explained.

Alternative Medications to Timolol

If timolol is unavailable or isn't the right fit for you, your doctor has several proven alternatives to choose from. Here are the most common ones:

1. Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Drug class: Prostaglandin analog

Latanoprost is currently the first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension — meaning it's the medication most doctors try first. It works differently from timolol: instead of reducing fluid production, it increases the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye.

Key facts:

• Applied once daily in the evening
• Very effective at lowering eye pressure (25–35% reduction)
• Lower risk of systemic side effects compared to timolol
• Common side effects include eye redness, eyelash growth, and gradual darkening of the iris
• Generic versions are widely available and affordable (as low as $5–$15 with coupons)

Latanoprost is an excellent option for most patients and may actually be more effective than timolol for many people.

2. Betaxolol (Betoptic)

Drug class: Selective beta-1 blocker

Betaxolol is another beta-blocker eye drop, but unlike timolol, it's selective — meaning it primarily blocks beta-1 receptors rather than both beta-1 and beta-2. This makes it a potentially safer choice for patients with asthma or COPD, who can't use timolol because of the risk of bronchospasm.

Key facts:

• Applied twice daily
• Slightly less effective at lowering eye pressure than timolol
• Better lung safety profile
• Available as generic

3. Dorzolamide (Trusopt)

Drug class: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

Dorzolamide works by a completely different mechanism — it inhibits an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, which reduces aqueous humor production through a non-beta-blocker pathway.

Key facts:

• Applied three times daily (or twice daily when combined with other drops)
• Often used as an add-on therapy alongside other glaucoma medications
• Also available in a fixed-dose combination with timolol (Cosopt)
• Common side effects include bitter taste and eye stinging
• Generic available

4. Brimonidine (Alphagan)

Drug class: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist

Brimonidine both reduces aqueous humor production and increases outflow, giving it a dual mechanism for lowering eye pressure.

Key facts:

• Applied two to three times daily
• Effective for both short-term and long-term pressure control
• May cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or eye allergic reactions
• Avoid in children under age 2 due to risk of serious side effects
• Generic available and affordable

What to Ask Your Doctor

When discussing alternatives with your eye care provider, consider asking:

• "Which alternative is most similar to timolol in terms of effectiveness?"
• "Are there any alternatives that would interact with my other medications?" (See our guide on timolol drug interactions)
• "Can I use a combination eye drop to simplify my routine?"
• "How often will I need to use the new medication?"

Final Thoughts

While it's frustrating when you can't fill your timolol prescription, the reality is that there are several effective alternatives available. Latanoprost is the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment and is widely available. Betaxolol, dorzolamide, and brimonidine are all proven options as well.

The most important thing is to not skip your eye drops — uncontrolled eye pressure can cause permanent vision loss. If you can't find timolol, contact your doctor right away to discuss switching to an available alternative.

Still want to try finding timolol first? Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock, or read our tips on how to find timolol in stock near you.