What is Istalol?
Istalol, a beta blocker, also reduces the pressure in the eye.
Istalol is an ophthalmic solution used to treat glaucoma with open-angles and other causes of increased pressure in the eye. Istalol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Istalol should not be used if you suffer from severe copd, asthma, or serious heart conditions (such as "sick-sinus syndrome," "av block" of 2nd or 3rd degree, severe heart failure, or very slow heartbeats).
If timolol enters your bloodstream, it may cause side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeats, or muscle weakness.
Istalol should not be allowed to touch the eye or the hands. The dropper could become contaminated and cause an infection, which may lead to serious eye damage or vision loss. Istalol may cause blurred vision. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires clear vision.
Before you take this drug
Istalol should not be used if:
- Asthma or severe chronic obstructive lung disease (copd);
- Certain serious heart conditions, such as "sick sinus syndrome", or "av block 2nd or third degree,"
- Severe heart failure;
- You fainted because of slow heartbeats.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that istalol will be safe for you:
- Heart disease, stroke, blood clots, circulation problems, etc.
- Breathing problems
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Allergies
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
Istalol is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
Timolol may pass into breast milk and harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Istalol should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
How to take Istalol?
Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label, and read all medication guides or instruction sheets for your medication. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dosage. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer.
Use this medication only if you are not wearing contact lenses. Istalol contains a preservative that can discolor contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after taking this medication before you put it in your contacts.
Before using eye drops, wash your hands.
How to apply istalol:
- To create a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull your lower eyelid down. Squeeze out several drops by looking up and away.
- Close your eyes without blinking, squinting, or moving your head. Press your finger gently on the inside corner for 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into your tear duct.
- Only use the drops prescribed by your doctor. Wait 5 minutes in between each drop if you are using more than one.
- You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor before you use any other eye drops.
Avoid touching or placing the tip directly against your eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems. If the istalol liquid is discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.
Your symptoms may not improve for a few days. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement after four weeks.
Tell the surgeon in advance if you will need surgery. This includes eye surgery. It is possible that you will need to temporarily stop taking the medication. Do not abruptly stop taking istalol. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dose.
Store istalol at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Don't freeze. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut. Keep the ampule in its foil pouch until ready to use. Ampules are intended for single-use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is soon approaching, simply forgo any missed ones. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if you overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include headaches, dizziness, slow heartbeats, and difficulty breathing.
What should be avoided?
Istalol may cause blurred vision or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in risky activities until you understand how the medicine will impact you.
Istalol may not be enough to treat your glaucoma. You might need to take other medications. You should only use eye medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Side effects of Istalol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an istalol allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or a swollen throat, face, lips, and/or tongue,
The risk of side effects when using timolol in your eyes is very low. However, side effects may occur if you allow the medication to enter your bloodstream. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Wheezing, chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeats
- Feeling faint can be disorienting; as though one could lose consciousness.
- Muscle weakness
- Depressed mood, confusion, or hallucinations;
- You may experience numbness and coldness in your fingers or feet.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- If you experience severe burning or stinging after using eye drops, discontinue use immediately.
- Eye swelling, redness or discomfort, crusting, or drainage may be signs of infection.
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
Istalol can cause a variety of side effects.
- You may experience stinging or burning in your eyes.
- Dry eyes and itching
- Are you suffering from vision loss or damage? Do you suspect that something is in your eyes?
- Red or puffy eyelids
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain drugs at the same time. This can cause side effects and make other medications less effective.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Any other beta-blocker eye medicine, betaxolol or carteolol,
- Any other beta-blocker blood pressure or heart medicine, including atenolol.
- Other heart or blood pressure medications amiodarone (clonidine), digoxin (diltiazem), disopyramide (disopyramide), nicardipine (nifedipine), reserpine (reserpine), verapamil, and others
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with timolol ophthalmic. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
