Timolol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Applies to timolol: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of timolol

Along with its needed effects, timolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking timolol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking timolol:

Symptoms of overdose

• blurred vision
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
• headache
• hearing loss
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• sweating

Other side effects of timolol

Some side effects of timolol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to timolol: compounding powder, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac failure, hypotension, claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon, cold and cyanotic extremities, paranesthesia of the extremities, atrioventricular conduction disturbances
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, syncope, edema, second or third degree AV block, sinoatrial block, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrest, cerebral vascular accident, worsening of angina pectoris, worsening of arterial insufficiency, vasodilatation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, pulmonary edema, bronchial obstruction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchial spasm (especially in patients with bronchial asthma), rales
• Frequency not reported: Cough^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Generalized psoriasis, hyperpigmented nailbeds
• Frequency not reported: Skin irritation, increased skin pigmentation, alopecia (hair loss), hyperhidrosis, worsening of psoriasis, erythematous rashes^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, digestive disorders, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia
• Frequency not reported: GI pain, vomiting^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, impotence, decreased libido^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Local weakness, myasthenia gravis like symptoms^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nightmares
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucinations
• Frequency not reported: Depression, somnolence, nervousness, diminished concentration, psychoses, confusion, sleep disturbances^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Nonthrombocytopenic purpura^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatomegaly^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Weight loss, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, increased serum triglycerides, increased LDL cholesterol, increased VLDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye irritation
• Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances, diplopia, ptosis, dry eyes, impaired vision^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue/tiredness, asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Pain in extremity, decreased exercise tolerance, fever^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Retroperitoneal fibrosis^[Ref]

Further information

Timolol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer