Skip the Phone Calls — Check Timolol Stock Online

You've got a prescription for timolol, but your pharmacy says it's out of stock. Now what? Calling pharmacy after pharmacy is frustrating and time-consuming — especially when certain timolol formulations have been affected by shortages.

The good news: you can check if a pharmacy has timolol in stock without picking up the phone. Here's how.

Why Timolol Can Be Hard to Find

Most generic timolol ophthalmic solution (0.25% and 0.5%) is available at pharmacies nationwide. However, the gel-forming solution (generic Timoptic-XE) has been on back order from Sandoz with no estimated resupply date. Preservative-free formulations (Timoptic in Ocudose) can also be harder to locate.

If your doctor prescribed a specific formulation, you may need to check a few pharmacies to find it. For a full breakdown, see our article on why timolol is hard to find in 2026.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is the fastest way to check timolol availability near you. Just enter your medication, dosage, and zip code, and you'll see which pharmacies in your area currently have it in stock. It's free to use and updated regularly.

This is especially helpful if you need a specific formulation like the gel-forming solution or preservative-free drops.

2. Check Your Pharmacy's App or Website

Many major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability online:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or website to transfer or check prescription status
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app shows prescription availability and lets you request transfers
• Walmart — Walmart's pharmacy portal lets you check if a medication is available at your local store
• Rite Aid — Similar online tools for prescription management

While these apps don't always show real-time stock for every medication, they can tell you if your specific prescription is ready or if there's a problem filling it.

3. Use GoodRx to Compare Nearby Pharmacies

GoodRx shows pricing at pharmacies near you, and pharmacies that list prices generally have the drug available. While it's not a direct stock checker, it's a useful indicator. Generic timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution shows prices as low as $4 on GoodRx — and if a pharmacy is listing a price, they can usually fill the prescription.

4. Try Mail-Order Pharmacy

If local pharmacies are consistently out of stock, consider a mail-order pharmacy. Many insurance plans offer 90-day supplies through mail order at a lower cost. Services like Amazon Pharmacy, Cost Plus Drugs, and Express Scripts mail order can ship timolol directly to your home.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a phone call is the fastest route. Here are some tips to make it efficient:

• Have your details ready: Tell the pharmacist the exact medication — for example, "timolol maleate 0.5% ophthalmic solution, 5 mL" or "timolol maleate 0.5% gel-forming ophthalmic solution, 5 mL."
• Ask about alternatives: If they don't have your exact formulation, ask if they have a different strength or formulation. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription.
• Call independent pharmacies: They sometimes have different wholesalers than the chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens doesn't.
• Call in the morning: Pharmacists are usually less busy early in the day and can give you more attention.

Once You Find Timolol in Stock

When you locate a pharmacy that has timolol:

• Act quickly. During shortages, stock can move fast.
• Ask your doctor to send the prescription electronically to the pharmacy that has it, or request a transfer from your current pharmacy.
• Ask about a 90-day supply if your insurance allows it. This reduces the number of times you'll need to hunt for stock.
• Look into savings options. Even though generic timolol is affordable (as low as $4 with coupons), every dollar counts. Check our guide to timolol savings programs.

If you consistently can't find your specific formulation, talk to your doctor about alternative medications that may be more readily available.

Final Thoughts

You shouldn't have to spend hours on the phone trying to fill a basic prescription. Tools like Medfinder make it easy to check timolol availability at pharmacies near you in seconds. Start there, and if you need more help finding your medication, check our complete guide to finding timolol in stock.