Why Is Timolol So Hard to Find Right Now?

If you've been to your pharmacy recently only to hear "we don't have it in stock," you're not alone. Thousands of patients who rely on timolol eye drops for glaucoma and ocular hypertension have been struggling to fill their prescriptions in 2025 and 2026. The frustration is real — especially when you're dealing with a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

In this article, we'll explain exactly what timolol is, why it's been so hard to find, and what steps you can take right now to get your medication.

What Is Timolol?

Timolol (brand names: Timoptic, Timoptic-XE, Betimol, Istalol) is a nonselective beta-blocker that has been used for decades to treat eye conditions and other health problems. It's most commonly prescribed as an eye drop to lower intraocular pressure (the pressure inside your eyes) in patients with:

• Open-angle glaucoma — the most common form of glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension — elevated eye pressure that can lead to glaucoma

Timolol works by reducing the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) your eye produces, which helps bring the pressure down to safer levels. It's also available as an oral tablet for conditions like high blood pressure, migraine prevention, and heart attack recovery — but the ophthalmic (eye drop) form is by far the most widely prescribed.

For a deeper dive, check out our guide: What is timolol? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

Why Is Timolol Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons timolol has been difficult to find at pharmacies across the country. Here are the main factors:

1. Manufacturing Delays and Back Orders

One of the biggest issues is that key manufacturers have had trouble keeping up with demand. Sandoz, one of the major producers of generic timolol gel-forming solution (the generic version of Timoptic-XE), has had the product on back order with no estimated release date. When a major supplier can't deliver, the ripple effect hits pharmacies nationwide.

2. Limited Number of Manufacturers

Unlike some medications that are made by dozens of companies, timolol — especially the gel-forming solution — is produced by only a handful of manufacturers. When even one drops out of production, the remaining supply gets stretched thin. Apotex currently has timolol ophthalmic solution available, but that doesn't help patients who specifically need the gel-forming version.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions

The pharmaceutical supply chain has faced ongoing challenges. Raw material shortages, shipping delays, and quality control issues at manufacturing facilities all contribute to the problem. Ophthalmic products like eye drops require sterile manufacturing environments, which adds another layer of complexity.

4. Increased Demand

As the population ages, more people are being diagnosed with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The demand for timolol and similar medications continues to grow, putting additional strain on an already limited supply.

For the latest on the timolol shortage, read our timolol shortage update for 2026.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Timolol?

Don't panic — there are several steps you can take to get your prescription filled or find an alternative that works for you.

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to quickly search for pharmacies near you that have timolol in stock. It saves you time and frustration.

Try Independent or Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies often run out of medications faster because they serve more patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have timolol available when the chains don't. It's worth calling around to smaller local pharmacies in your area.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you truly can't find timolol, talk to your eye doctor about switching to another medication. There are several effective alternatives, including:

• Latanoprost (Xalatan) — a prostaglandin analog and current first-line treatment for glaucoma
• Betaxolol (Betoptic) — a selective beta-blocker eye drop that may be safer for patients with lung conditions
• Dorzolamide (Trusopt) — a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drop
• Brimonidine (Alphagan) — an alpha-2 agonist eye drop

Learn more in our article on alternatives to timolol.

Ask About a 90-Day Supply

If you do find timolol in stock, ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription instead of a 30-day one. This reduces the number of times you need to refill and gives you a buffer in case the shortage continues.

Check if You're Using the Right Formulation

Timolol comes in several forms: regular ophthalmic solution, gel-forming solution, and preservative-free single-dose units (Ocudose). The gel-forming solution has been hardest to find, so if you're on that version, ask your doctor if switching to the standard solution is appropriate for you.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a medication shortage is stressful, especially when the medication protects your vision. The timolol shortage has been caused by a combination of manufacturing problems, limited suppliers, and growing demand. But there are real steps you can take today — from using Medfinder to checking independent pharmacies to talking to your doctor about alternatives.

Your eye health is too important to leave to chance. Stay proactive, and don't skip doses without talking to your doctor first.

Looking for more help? Read our guide on how to find timolol in stock near you.