Timoptol® Ophthalmic Solution

(timolol maleate, MSD)

PLEASE READ BOTH SIDES OF THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY

BEFORE YOU START USING THESE EYE DROPS

WHY DOES YOUR DOCTOR WANT

YOU TO USE EYE DROPS?

Your Condition

Your doctor has prescribed 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution for you because he has done some tests which show that you have a condition which causes a raised pressure in your eye(s). There are a number of different causes - such as glaucoma Your doctor will explain which affects you.

Your treatment

The eye drops contain timolol maleate BP at a strength of either 0.25% or 0.5%. This is one of a group of chemicals called beta-blockers. These reduce the pressure in your eye(s).

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE THE

DROPS?

You should use the drops exactly as your doctor has told you. At first you should use the drops twice a day, morning and night. This will keep the eye pressure low all day Your doctor will tell you if you need to use your drops differently.

HOW SHOULD YOU USE THE

DROPS?

This is how to use your container of 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution.

First wash your hands.

Twist off the protective cap from the bottle; the seal will break and you can pull it off.

Unscrew the cap and tilt your head backwards. Pull the bottom lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket (Fig. 1 ).

Hold the bottle in your other hand between your thumb and middle finger Place the tip close to your lower eyelid and press on the

bottom of the bottle with your first finger (Fig. 2)

One drop of solution should fall into your eye. Put the bottle down and press your finger against the corner of your eye for a minute (Fig. 3). This helps stop the solution

draining down your nose into your throat. Put the cap back on the bottle, and wash your hands again.

KEEP USING ‘TIMOPTOL'

OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

Do not stop the treatment without talking to your doctor first. You may not feel any different, but the drops are helping to reduce the pressure in your eye(s) - you should use them until your doctor says you no longer need them.

MAKE SURE ‘TIMOPTOL' OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION IS MEANT FOR YOU

You should feel satisfied that it is all right for you to use 'Timoptol ' Ophthalmic Solution. Some people - listed on the back of this leaflet - should not use the eye drops. Your doctor can give you more information.

CAN ‘TIMOPTOL’ OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION CAUSE PROBLEMS?

Most problems with 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution are minor and are listed on the back of this leaflet. Your doctor can give you more information .

HOW SHOULD YOU STORE ‘TIMOPTOL' OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

You must keep 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution away from children. For more advice about how to look after your eye drops, read the back of this leaflet.

THIS IS NOT THE ONLY INFORMATION WE HAVE ABOUT 'TIMOPTOL' OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AFTER READING THIS LEAFLET, ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST WHO WILL GIVE YOU MORE INFORMATION .

MORE ABOUT ‘TIMOPTOL' OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

MAKE SURE 'TIMOPTOL' OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION IS MEANT FOR YOU.

You should only use the eye drops if your doctor has asked you to. Some people should not use them. Do NOT use them if

  1. You know you are pregnant
  2. You think you could be pregnant
  3. You are planning on becoming pregnant.
  4. You are breast-feeding.
  5. You suffer from asthma, or have suffered from asthma or a similar condition in the past.
  6. You have heart disease producing a slow pulse.
  7. You have had a bad reaction to this or similar medicine in the past.
  8. You are under the age of 14.
  9. You wear soft contact lenses - consult your doctor.

WILL THE DROPS SUIT YOU?

'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution does not usually cause problems. Sometimes there may be mild irritation or grittiness of the eyes or visual disturbances. More serious side effects are wheezing or shortness of breath, slow pulse rate or itching together with swelling of the eyes, lips or mouth. If you have any unusual symptoms or feelings, stop using 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution and see your doctor as soon as possible.

continued

CAN YOU USE ‘TIMOPTOL’

OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION WITH

OTHER MEDICINES?

Usually it does not matter if you are taking other medicines, and 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution is often used with other eye drops to treat eye conditions. There are some medicines - such as those used to treat high blood pressure - which interfere with 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution. Your doctor knows about these. It is important that you tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, even those bought without a prescription.

HOW MANY DROPS SHOULD

YOU USE?

You should use the drops as your doctor has directed. The dose will depend on your condition, how quickly you respond, and whether you are taking any other treatment. Usually the first dose is one drop of 0.25% solution twice a day: some people need a stronger dose, and others need less. Your doctor will change your treatment as necessary.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO PUT IN

YOUR DROPS?

If you miss a dose . just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not take an extra dose to make up.

STORING YOUR EYE DROPS

Don't let anyone else use the eye drops. Keep them in a safe place, out of the sunlight and out of the reach of children. Do not use the bottle after it has been open for a month. Use a new supply. If you have any drops left when your doctor tells you to stop using them, return them to your pharmacist. Do not use the drops if they are past the expiry date on the box.

WHAT IS IN YOUR EYE DROPS?

Technical Information

Active Ingredient: Each Ocumeter® bottle of 0.25% strength 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution holds 5 ml of a solution containing Timolol Maleate HP equivalent to 0.25% Timolol.

Each Ocumeter bottle of 0.5% strength 'Timoptol' Ophthalmic Solution holds 5 ml of a solution containing Timolol Maleate BP equivalent to 0.5% Timolol.

Inactive Ingredients: Preservative, Benzalkonium Chloride BP; Sodium Acid Phosphate BP; Sodium Phosphate BP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product licence holder:

Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited

Hertford Rd, Hoddesdon,

Hertfordshire, EN11 9BU

Further information about glaucoma is available from: International Glaucoma Association, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London. SE5 9RS. Tel: 071 274 6222 Extension 2934.

(The IGA is an organisation which helps glaucoma patients and their relatives and is not associated with Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd.)

Agents in the Republic of Ireland:

Cahill May Roberts Limited

PO. Box 1090, Chapelizod. Dublin 20

® denotes registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA