Timolol+hypromellose
About Timolol+hypromellose
Timolol+hypromellose belongs to the class of medications called ‘ophthalmologic agents’ primarily used to treat increased pressure in the eye in conditions of glaucoma (damage of optic nerve) and ocular hypertension (high fluid pressure inside the eye). Glaucoma is an eye condition which causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. Ocular hypertension is increased pressure in the eye due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). Dry eye is a condition in which there is decreased production of tears by lachrymal glands (tear glands) due to vitamin A deficiency, allergic eye diseases or eye infections.
Timolol+hypromellose is a combination of two medicines: Timolol and Hypromellose. Timolol is a beta-blocker which works by decreasing the secretion of aqueous humour (a liquid that maintains normal pressure in the eyeball) by the ciliary body into the eyeball. Thereby lowers the pressure in the eye by reducing aqueous humour entry into the eyeball. Hypromellose is an artificial tear used as a component in eye drops to lubricate eyes and relieve dry eye symptoms such as burining and eye discomfort.
Timolol+hypromellose is available for ophthalmic (eye) use only. You should use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Timolol+hypromellose are application site reactions such as burning/stinging sensation or redness in the eye, increased eye sensitivity to the light, stickiness of eyelashes, swelling of eyelids, blurred vision and watery eyes. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. Consult your doctor if these side-effects persist.
If you are known to be allergic to Timolol+hypromellose or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before using Timolol+hypromellose. Timolol+hypromellose should be used with caution in children. Your doctor will estimate the benefits and risks of Timolol+hypromellose in children and if Timolol+hypromellose is used in newborns, they should be under close observation for 1 to 2 hours after the first dose and adverse effects should be monitored. You are advised to remove soft contact lenses before using Timolol+hypromellose as it may cause discolouration of the soft contact lens.
Uses of Timolol+hypromellose
Medicinal Benefits
Timolol+hypromellose is a combination of two medicines, namely; Timolol (beta-blocker) and Hypromellose (artificial tear). Timolol works by decreasing the secretion of aqueous humour (a liquid that maintains normal pressure in the eyeball) by the ciliary body into an eyeball. Thereby, lowers the pressure in the eye by reducing aqueous humour entry into the eyeball. Hypromellose is an artificial tear works similar to natural tears, provides relief from irritation and burning due to dryness of the eyes. Together, Timolol+hypromellose is used to treat increased pressure in the eye in conditions such as glaucoma (damage of optic nerve) and ocular hypertension (high fluid pressure inside the eye).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Timolol+hypromellose
- Burning/stinging sensation or redness in the eye
- Increased eye sensitivity to the light
- Swelling of eyelid
- Stickiness of eyelashes
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma is an eye condition which cause damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms for glaucoma initially except slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow coloured circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely, glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance or nausea. Ocular hypertension is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to build up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye without any damage to optic nerve. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.
Dry eyes: Dry eye, also called xeropthalmia, is a condition that occurs when there is not enough lubrication in the eye due to decreased production of tears or production of low-quality tears. This condition may lead to inflammation and damage to the eye. Symptoms include a burning or stinging sensation in the eye, eye irritation, sensitivity to light, redness and blurred vision. It may occur due to ageing, allergic eye diseases, thyroid problems, vitamin A deficiency, certain medications and eyelid problems.
FAQs
Timolol+hypromellose contains Timolol and Hypromellose. Timolol works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Hypromellose helps to moisten and lubricate the dry eyes. Collectively, both of them reduce the increased eye pressure and dry eyes.
Apply the drops as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
Dry eyes may cause blurred vision due to a decrease in tear production in the eye. However, it doesn't cause permanent disturbances to your vision. The vision improves with the use of eye drops or when your eye condition improves.
If you are using other eye drops along with Timolol+hypromellose, maintain an interval of at least 10 minutes before administering other medicines in the same eye to avoid dilution.
No, you are not recommended to wear contact lenses while using Timolol+hypromellose as it contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that causes colour change of contact lens as it may be absorbed by soft contact lens. Benzalkonium chloride also causes irritation in the eye especially if you have disorders of cornea (transparent layer at the front of eye) or dry eyes. Therefore, you are advised to remove contact lenses before applying Timolol+hypromellose and reinsert after 15 minutes of using Timolol+hypromellose. Also, inform your doctor if you experience pain or stinging in the eye, abnormal sensation in the eye after using Timolol+hypromellose.
Yes, you may need to stop using Timolol+hypromellose before surgery as it may alter the effects of certain medicines that are used during anaesthesia. Therefore, you are recommended to inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Timolol+hypromellose before any surgery or dental procedure.
