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Introduction About IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS
IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS contains Timolol which belongs to the group of medicines called Beta-blockers. It is used to manage raised pressure in eyes which occurs in various conditions including glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension is when the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal with no signs of vision loss. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can cause blindness. Symptoms include patchy blind spots, severe headache, eye pain and redness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and halos around lights.
Timolol inhibits binding of certain receptors (beta receptors) on the tissues lining the inner wall of eyeball. These tissues increase the production of aqueous humor (fluid of the eye). So, by inhibiting beta receptors, there is a reduction in aqueous humor production and therefore, intraocular pressure reduces. It is important that your soft contact lenses are removed before using this medicine and not placed back into your eyes for at least 15 minutes. Prior to the management, your doctor may want you to take certain eye tests to understand your existing condition.
IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is not recommended for use in patients having respiratory problems like asthma and heart problems. Before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you have or ever had low blood pressure, problems with blood circulation, thyroid glands, diabetes, or you wear contact lens. IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is generally not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. There is only very limited data available on the use of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS in children. Consult your doctor before using. The most common side effects of using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS are eye irritation, double vision, headache, depression, dizziness, and nausea. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Uses Of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS
- Manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension
How IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS Works
IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS inhibits binding of certain receptors (beta receptors) on the tissues lining the inner wall of eyeball. These tissues increase the production of aqueous humor (fluid of the eye). So, by inhibiting beta receptors, there is a reduction in aqueous humor production and therefore, pressure in the eyes reduces. The exact mechanism of action is not clearly established.
How to use IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS
Use IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. It is important that your soft contact lenses are removed before using this medicine and not put back into your eyes for at least 15 minutes. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid. Make sure you wash your hands and do not touch any surface while using it. Keep the eyes closed for as long as possible and apply pressure to the corner of the eye. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS
Common
- eye irritation (Ex. burning, stinging, itching, tearing, redness), inflammation of the eyelid, cornea, blurred vision
- dry eyes, corneal erosion (damage to the front layer of the eyeball), drooping of the upper eyelid (making the eye stay half closed), double vision
- sensitivity to light, discharge from the eye, pain in the eye.
- ringing sound in the ears
- headache
- low blood glucose levels.
- difficulty in sleeping, depression, nightmares, memory loss, hallucination dizziness
- taste disturbances, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting
Rare
Stop using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- allergic reactions including swelling beneath the skin that can occur in the face, limbs and can obstruct the airway which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- hives or itchy rash, localized and generalized rash, hair loss, skin rash with white silvery colored appearance (psoriasiform rash) or worsening of psoriasis
- slow heart rate, chest pain, palpitations, changes in the rhythm or speed of the heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs due to fluid buildup, heart failure, heart attack
- low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, limping
- constriction of the airways in the lungs (predominantly in patients with pre-existing disease), difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough
- fainting, stroke, reduced blood supply to the brain, increased signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis (muscle disorder), dizziness, unusual sensations like tingling and headache
- sexual dysfunction, decreased sex drive, decreased libido in men
- signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus
- sudden weight gain
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.

Headache
Drink lots of water, keep a cold/hot pack and avoid bright lights.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.

Stomach Pain
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Monitoring requiredIOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is not recommended for pregnant women unless its considered necessary by the doctor. Consult your doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedIOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is not recommended for breastfeeding women as it can pass through the milk. Consult your doctor before using it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines until you feel well, and your vision is clear while using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not use IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS if you are allergic to Timolol.

Lungs
ContraindicatedIOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is not recommended for patients with respiratory problems such as asthma, severe chronic obstructive bronchitis (wheezing, difficulty in breathing and/or long-standing cough). Consult your doctor before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS.

Heart Disease
Consult your doctorIOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS is not recommended for patients with a slow heartbeat, heart problems, heart failure, disorders of heart rhythm or with an episode of cardiogenic shock. It should be used with caution in patients with coronary heart disease (chest pain or tightness, breathlessness or choking), low blood pressure, poor blood circulation disease (such as Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome). Consult your doctor before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS.

Use In Pediatrics
Consult your doctorThere is only limited data available on the use of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS in newborns, infants, and younger children. Consult your doctor before using.
Others
Before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you:
- have diabetes
- have poor blood circulation disease (such as Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome)
- overactivity of the thyroid gland
- have to undergo a surgery as it may change effects of some medicines used during anesthesia
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- medicines used to manage diabetes. (Ex. metformin, glimepiride)
- a calcium antagonist (Ex. nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem), catecholamine-depleting agents (Ex. rauwolfia alkaloids/reserpine), clonidine to manage high blood pressure
- digoxin (to manage heart failure or an abnormal heartbeat)
- pressor amines (Ex. adrenaline) to manage allergic reaction
- quinidine (to manage heart conditions and some types of malaria)
- other beta-blockers taken by mouth or used as eye drops
- antidepressants (Ex. fluoxetine and paroxetine)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS are headache, light-headedness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, feeling that your heart rate has slowed down.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Timolol |
Pharmacological Category | : | Beta-blockers |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension |
Dosage Forms | : | Eye drops |
More Information
- Keep IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS out of reach of children
- Do not store above 25°C
FAQs About IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS
Q: Can I use IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS with contact lenses?
A: No, you should remove your contact lenses before using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS. You can wear the lens 15 minutes after using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS. Contact your doctor in case of eye irritation.
Q: Can I stop using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS if I feel fine?
A: No, you should not stop using IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS without consulting your doctor. Stopping IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS suddenly can disturb the pressure in your eyes which may increase the risk of loss of sight.
Q: Who should not use IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS?
A: IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS should not be taken if you have asthma or severe COPD, or a serious heart condition (severe heart failure, or very slow heartbeats). Consult your doctor for advice.
Q: What happens if I use more IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS?
A: Overdose of IOTIM 0.5% EYE DROPS can cause headache, light-headedness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, feeling that your heart rate has slowed down. Consult your doctor immediately.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Antiadrenergic Drugs (Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists) and Drugs for Glaucoma. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page –167-169
2. James Barnes; Majid Moshirfar. Timolol. [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 17th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545176/
3. Kierstan Boyd, J Kevin McKinney. What Is Ocular Hypertension? [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 17th May 2022] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-ocular-hypertension
4. FDC International Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2020] [Accessed on 17th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4053.pdf
5. Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2013] [Accessed on 17th May 2022]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021516s005lbl.pdf
6. Timolol.Mayoclinic [Revised in October 2020] [Accessed on 17th May 2022] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839
7. Timolol. Medlineplus. [Revised in April 2017] [Accessed on 17th May 2022] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682043.html
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Eye examination