Timolol+bimatoprost
About Timolol+bimatoprost
Timolol+bimatoprost is used to treat raised/increased pressure in the eye in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. 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 and Timolol. 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.
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 do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Timolol+bimatoprost if you are allergic to it or have severe kidney or liver disease. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Timolol+bimatoprost, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost. Do not use any other eye medication with Timolol+bimatoprost, without consulting your doctor.
Uses of Timolol+bimatoprost
Medicinal Benefits
- Timolol+bimatoprost is primarily used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
- It is recommended for patients who are insufficiently responsive to topical beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues alone.
- Bimatoprost (prostaglandin analogue) helps by increasing the drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye), thereby reducing eye pressure.
- Timolol (beta-blocker) works by decreasing the production of aqueous humour, which further helps in lowering intraocular pressure.
- The combination effectively reduces the risk of optic nerve damage caused by high eye pressure.
- It helps in preventing vision loss associated with glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
- Overall, it supports better eye health by maintaining optimal intraocular pressure.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and instil the prescribed number of drops. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Do not touch the container tip to the eye, eyelids, or surrounding areas to prevent contamination.
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
Drug Warnings
- Do not use Timolol+bimatoprost if you are allergic or hypersensitive to Timolol+bimatoprost, other antibiotics, beta-blockers, or sulfa drugs.
- 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 before.
- Wash your hands properly before using Timolol+bimatoprost to avoid any infection.
- Timolol+bimatoprost should be used only in the infected eye, and contact with the normal eye should be avoided.
- Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking.
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), and other prostaglandin ophthalmic medications (latanoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, unoprostone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Timolol+bimatoprost is known to interact with alcohol and other vitamins 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, or macular oedema (swelling of the 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 unless your vision is clear.
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-rich foods 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.
- Doing regular moderate exercise and appropriate rest is important for illness.
- Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A and C help to improve vision and recover from the disease.
Special Advise
- Remove your contact lenses before using Timolol+bimatoprost. Insert them 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost.
- 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 used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension (increased eye pressure).
Timolol+bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost and Timolol. 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 which may be absorbed by the contact lenses and change the colour of the contact lenses. So, please remove your lenses before administering Timolol+bimatoprost, and you can wear them 15 minutes after using Timolol+bimatoprost.
No, Timolol+bimatoprost should be taken as advised by the doctor in terms of dose and duration. If you take it in a dose greater than the recommended amount, it may cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
Do not stop using 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 consult 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 10-15 minute gap should be allowed between using two eye medications.
Timolol+bimatoprost contains Bimatoprost (prostaglandin analogue) and Timolol (beta-blocker), primarily used in treating ocular hypertension (high pressure of the eye).
Timolol+bimatoprost can be used once a day, either in the morning or the evening. It's essential to use them at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your eyes. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding time and frequency.
It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while using Timolol and Bimatoprost eye drops. This is because alcohol can increase the risk of low blood pressure and enhance the systemic absorption of timolol, potentially leading to systemic side effects. To be safe, it's best to consult your doctor for personalised advice on consuming alcohol while using this medication.
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Do not use Timolol+bimatoprost if you are pregnant unless your doctor recommends it.
