Timolol Is a Beta-Blocker Used to Lower Eye Pressure, Blood Pressure, and Prevent Migraines

Timolol (timolol maleate) is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker — commonly called a beta-blocker — that has been used safely for decades to treat several conditions. It's one of the most widely prescribed eye drop medications for glaucoma and is also available in oral tablet form for high blood pressure and migraine prevention.

What Is Timolol?

Timolol maleate is the generic name. You may also know it by its brand names:

• Timoptic and Timoptic-XE — ophthalmic solution and gel-forming solution (Bausch + Lomb)
• Timoptic in Ocudose — preservative-free eye drops
• Betimol — ophthalmic solution
• Istalol — ophthalmic solution
• Blocadren — oral tablets

Timolol belongs to the nonselective beta-blocker drug class. "Nonselective" means it blocks both beta-1 receptors (found mainly in the heart) and beta-2 receptors (found in the lungs and blood vessels). This is important because it means timolol can affect breathing — more on that below.

Timolol was approved by the FDA in 1978 for ophthalmic use and is manufactured today by multiple generic companies including Sandoz and Apotex. It is not a controlled substance.

What Is Timolol Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Open-angle glaucoma — the most common use. Timolol eye drops lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.
• Ocular hypertension — elevated eye pressure without glaucoma damage yet. Timolol can help prevent progression to glaucoma.
• Hypertension (oral tablets) — lowers blood pressure.
• Post-heart attack survival (oral tablets) — reduces risk of death after a myocardial infarction.
• Migraine prevention (oral tablets) — reduces frequency of migraine headaches.

Off-Label Uses

• Infantile hemangiomas — timolol ophthalmic solution applied topically to skin hemangiomas in infants (off-label but increasingly common).

How Is Timolol Taken?

Eye Drops (Ophthalmic)

Timolol eye drops come in several forms:

• Ophthalmic solution (0.25% or 0.5%) — 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily
• Gel-forming solution (Timoptic-XE, 0.25% or 0.5%) — 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily
• Preservative-free solution (Ocudose) — single-use vials, 1 drop twice daily

How to apply eye drops correctly:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
3. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze out one drop.
4. Close your eyes gently — don't blink or squeeze.
5. Press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1-2 minutes. This reduces how much medication gets into your bloodstream and helps prevent systemic side effects.
6. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between medications.

Oral Tablets

Timolol oral tablets come in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths:

• Hypertension: Typically 10-20 mg twice daily, maximum 60 mg per day
• Migraine prevention: 10-20 mg twice daily
• Post-heart attack: 10 mg twice daily

Tablets can be taken with or without food. Take them at the same times each day for best results.

Who Should Not Take Timolol?

Timolol is contraindicated in people with:

• Bronchial asthma or history of asthma
• Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Sinus bradycardia (very slow heart rate)
• Second- or third-degree heart block
• Uncompensated heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock
• Known hypersensitivity to timolol

If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor. There are alternative medications that may be safer for your situation.

Timolol should also be used with caution in people with diabetes (it can mask low blood sugar symptoms) and during pregnancy (category C). See our guide on timolol drug interactions for a full list of medications to watch.

How Much Does Timolol Cost?

Timolol is one of the most affordable glaucoma medications available:

• Generic timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution (5 mL): As low as $4 with a GoodRx coupon. Average retail price around $35.
• Generic gel-forming solution (5 mL): $35 to $196 at retail.
• Timoptic in Ocudose (preservative-free): $69 to $285 at retail.
• Generic oral tablets (30 count): Approximately $10 to $30.

Generic timolol is covered by most insurance plans as a Tier 1 preferred generic, which usually means the lowest copay. Prior authorization is generally not required for generic formulations.

For more ways to save, check our complete guide to timolol savings and coupons.

Final Thoughts

Timolol has been a trusted glaucoma treatment for nearly 50 years. It's affordable, effective, and available in multiple formulations to suit different needs. While some formulations are currently experiencing shortages, the standard ophthalmic solution remains widely available.

If you're looking for timolol at a pharmacy near you, use Medfinder to check availability. And if you're new to timolol, learn how it works and what side effects to expect.