There have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with 'Timoptol' resulting in systemic effects similar to those seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, acute cardiac insufficiency and cardiac arrest (see 'Side effects').
If overdosage occurs, the following measures should be considered:
1. Gastric lavage, if ingested. Studies have shown that timolol does not dialyse readily.
2. Symptomatic bradycardia: atropine sulphate, 0.25 to 2 mg intravenously, should be used to induce vagal blockade. If bradycardia persists, intravenous isoprenaline hydrochloride should be administered cautiously. In refractory cases, the use of a cardiac pacemaker may be considered.
3. Hypotension: a sympathomimetic pressor agent such as dopamine, dobutamine or noradrenaline should be used. In refractory cases, the use of glucagon has been reported to be useful.
4. Bronchospasm: isoprenaline hydrochloride should be used. Additional therapy with aminophylline may be considered.
5. Acute cardiac failure: conventional therapy with digitalis, diuretics, and oxygen should be instituted immediately. In refractory cases, the use of intravenous aminophylline is suggested. This may be followed, if necessary, by glucagon, which has been reported useful.
6. Heart block (second- or third-degree): isoprenaline hydrochloride or a pacemaker should be used.
36 months
Discard 'Timoptol' Eye Drops Solution 28 days after opening the bottle.
None known.
Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate (may be replaced by equivalent amounts of the dihydrate or anhydrous )
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (may be replaced by equivalent amounts of monohydrate)
Sodium hydroxide
Benzalkonium chloride
Water for injections
No adverse ocular effects were observed in rabbits and dogs administered 'Timoptol' topically in studies lasting one and two years, respectively. The oral LD50 of the drug is 1,190 and 900 mg/kg in female mice and female rats, respectively.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
In a two-year oral study of timolol maleate in rats there was a statistically significant (p≤0.05) increase in the incidence of adrenal phaeochromocytomas in male rats administered 300 mg/kg/day (300 times the maximum recommended human oral dose). Similar differences were not observed in rats administered oral doses equivalent to 25 or 100 times the maximum recommended human oral dose.
In a lifetime oral study in mice, there were statistically significant (p≤0.05) increases in the incidence of benign and malignant pulmonary tumours, benign uterine polyps and mammary adenocarcinoma in female mice at 500 mg/kg/day (500 times the maximum recommended human dose), but not at 5 or 50 mg/kg/day. In a subsequent study in female mice, in which post-mortem examinations were limited to uterus and lungs, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of pulmonary tumours was again observed at 500 mg/kg/day.
The increased occurrence of mammary adenocarcinoma was associated with elevations in serum prolactin which occurred in female mice administered timolol at 500 mg/kg/day, but not at doses of 5 or 50 mg/kg/day. An increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in rodents has been associated with administration of several other therapeutic agents which elevate serum prolactin, but no correlation between serum prolactin levels and mammary tumours has been established in man. Furthermore, in adult human female subjects who received oral dosages of up to 60 mg of timolol maleate, the maximum recommended human oral dosage, there were no clinically meaningful changes in serum prolactin.
Timolol maleate was devoid of mutagenic potential when evaluated in vivo (mouse) in the micronucleus test and cytogenetic assay (doses up to 800 mg/kg) and in vitro in a neoplastic cell transformation assay (up to 100 mcg/ml). In Ames tests the highest concentrations of timolol employed, 5,000 or 10,000 mcg/plate, were associated with statistically significant (p≤0.05) elevations of revertants observed with tester strain TA100 (in seven replicate assays) but not in the remaining three strains. In the assays with tester strain TA100, no consistent dose-response relationship was observed, nor did the ratio of test to control revertants reach 2. A ratio of 2 is usually considered the criterion for a positive Ames test.
Reproduction and fertility studies in rats showed no adverse effect on male or female fertility at doses up to 150 times the maximum recommended human oral dose.
Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anaesthetic activity. Timolol maleate combines reversibly with the beta-adrenergic receptor, and this inhibits the usual biologic response that would occur with stimulation of that receptor. This specific competitive antagonism blocks stimulation of the beta-adrenergic stimulating (agonist) activity, whether these originate from an endogenous or exogenous source. Reversal of this blockade can be accomplished by increasing the concentration of the agonist which will restore the usual biological response.
Unlike miotics, 'Timoptol' reduces IOP with little or no effect on accommodation or pupil size. In patients with cataracts, the inability to see around lenticular opacities when the pupil is constricted is avoided. When changing patients from miotics to 'Timoptol' a refraction might be necessary when the effects of the miotic have passed.
Diminished response after prolonged therapy with 'Timoptol' has been reported in some patients.
Paediatric Population:
There is only very limited data available on the use of Timolol (0.25%, 0.5% twice daily one drop) in the paediatric population. In one small, double masked, randomized, published clinical study conducted for a treatment period up to 12 weeks on 105 children (n=71 on Timolol) aged 12 days - 5 years the data have shown to some extent evidence, that Timolol in the indication primary congenital and primary juvenile glaucoma is effective in short term treatment.
The onset of reduction in intra-ocular pressure can be detected within one-half hour after a single dose. The maximum effect occurs in one or two hours; significant lowering of IOP can be maintained for as long as 24 hours with a single dose.
Paediatric Population:
As already confirmed by adult data, 80% of each eye drop passes through the nasolacrimal system where it may be rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation via the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, nasolacrimal duct, oropharynx and gut, or the skin from tear overflow.
Due to the fact that the blood volume in children is smaller than that in adults a higher circulation concentration has to be taken into account. In addition, neonates have immature metabolic enzyme pathways and it may result in an increase in elimination half-life and potentiating adverse events.
Limited data show that plasma timolol levels in children after 0.25% greatly exceed those in adults after 0.5%, especially in infants and are presumed to increase the risk of side effects such as bronchospasm and bradycardia.
15/12/2017
Santen Oy
Niittyhaankatu 20
33720 Tampere
Finland
Do not store above 25°C. Store the bottle in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
The OCUMETER Plus ophthalmic dispenser consists of a translucent high-density polyethylene container with a sealed dropper tip, a flexible fluted side area, which is depressed to dispense the drops, and a two-piece cap assembly. The two-piece cap mechanism punctures the sealed dropper tip upon initial use, then locks together to provide a single cap during the usage period. Tamper evidence is provided by two perforated tabs on the container label extending on to the cap. The OCUMETER Plus ophthalmic dispenser contains 5 ml of solution.
| 0.25% w/v Eye Drops Solution | PL 16058/0020 |
| 0.5% w/v Eye Drops Solution | PL 16058/0019 |
There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface.
Anaphylactic reactions
While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of atopy or a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge with such allergens and, may be unresponsive to the usual dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) used to treat anaphylactic reactions.
Paediatric Population:
It is important to notify the parents of potential side effects so they can immediately discontinue the drug therapy. Signs to look for are, for example, coughing and wheezing.
Because of the possibility of apnoea and Cheyne-Stokes breathing, the drug should be used with extreme caution in neonates, infants and younger children. A portable apnoea monitor may also be helpful for neonates on Timolol.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interactionNo specific drug interaction studies have been performed with timolol maleate.
There is a potential for additive effects resulting in hypotension and/or marked bradycardia when ophthalmic beta-blockers solution is administered concomitantly with oral calcium-channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone), digitalis glycosides, rauwolfia alkaloids, parasympathomimetics, guanethidine.
Although 'Timoptol' alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis resulting from concomitant use of ophthalmic beta-blockers and epinephrine (adrenaline ) has been reported occasionally.
Potentiated systemic beta-blockade (e.g. decreased heart rate, depression) has been reported during combined treatment with CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) and timolol.
Oral beta-adrenergic blocking agents may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine.
Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs such as reserpine, because of possible additive effects and the production of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia, which may produce vertigo, syncope, or postural hypotension.
Oral calcium-channel antagonists may be used in combination with beta-adrenergic blocking agents when heart function is normal, but should be avoided in patients with impaired cardiac function.
The potential exists for hypotension, AV conduction disturbances and left ventricular failure to occur in patients receiving a beta-blocking agent when an oral calcium-channel blocker is added to the treatment regimen. The nature of any cardiovascular adverse effects tends to depend on the type of calcium-channel blocker used. Dihydropyridine derivatives, such as nifedipine, may lead to hypotension, whereas verapamil or diltiazem have a greater propensity to lead to AV conduction disturbances or left ventricular failure when used with a beta-blocker.
Intravenous calcium channel blockers should be used with caution in patients receiving beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
The concomitant use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents and digitalis with either diltiazem or verapamil may have additive effects in prolonging AV conduction time.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactationPregnancy
There are no adequate data for the use of timolol maleate in pregnant women. 'Timoptol' should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. To reduce the systemic absorption, see 4.2.
Epidemiological studies have not revealed malformative effects but show a risk for intra uterine growth retardation when beta-blockers are administered by the oral route. In addition, signs and symptoms of beta-blockade (e.g. bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory distress and hypoglycaemia) have been observed in the neonate when beta-blockers have been administered until delivery. If 'Timoptol' is administered until delivery, the neonate should be carefully monitored during the first days of life.
Lactation
Timolol is detectable in human milk. A decision for breastfeeding mothers, either to stop taking 'Timoptol' or stop nursing, should be based on the importance of the drug to the mother.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machinesPossible side effects such as dizziness, visual disturbances, refractive changes, diplopia, ptosis, frequent episodes of mild and transient blurred vision and fatigue may affect some patients' ability to drive or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable effectsLike other topically applied ophthalmic drugs, timolol is absorbed into the systemic circulation. This may cause similar undesirable effects as seen with systemic beta-blocking agents. Incidence of systemic ADRs after topical ophthalmic administration is lower than for systemic administration. The following adverse reactions have been reported with ocular administration of this or other timolol maleate formulations, either in clinical trials or since the drug has been marketed. Additional side effects have been reported in clinical experiences with systemic timolol maleate, and may be considered potential effects of ophthalmic timolol maleate. Also listed are adverse reactions seen within the class of ophthalmic beta-blockers and may potentially occur with 'Timoptol'.
Eye disorders
ocular: signs and symptoms of ocular irritation, (e.g. burning, stinging, itching, tearing, redness), conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, dry eyes, decreased corneal sensitivity, blurred vision, corneal erosion. Visual disturbances, including refractive changes (due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases), diplopia, ptosis and choroidal detachment following filtration surgery (see 4.4 'Special warnings and precautions for use').
Ear and labyrinth disorders:
ocular: tinnitus
Cardiac disorders
ocular: bradycardia, chest pain, arrhythmia, heart block, congestive heart failure, palpitations, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, oedema;
systemic: atrioventricular block (second- or third-degree), sino-atrial block, pulmonary oedema, worsening of arterial insufficiency, worsening of angina pectoris, vasodilation.
Vascular disorders:
ocular: claudication, hypotension, Raynaud's phenomenon, cold hands and feet.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:
ocular: bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with pre-existing bronchospastic disease), respiratory failure, dyspnoea, cough;
systemic: rales.
General disorders and administration site conditions:
ocular: asthenia, fatigue;
systemic: extremity pain, decreased exercise tolerance.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
ocular: alopecia, psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis, skin rash;
systemic: sweating, exfoliative dermatitis.
Immune system disorders:
ocular: systemic lupus erythematosus, pruritus;
systemic: signs and symptoms of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, localised and generalised rash, anaphylactic reaction.
Psychiatric disorders:
ocular: depression, insomnia, nightmares, memory loss;
systemic: diminished concentration, increased dreaming.
Nervous system disorders
ocular: syncope, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischemia, headache, dizziness, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, paraesthesia;
systemic: vertigo, local weakness
Gastrointestinal disorders:
ocular: nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, dry mouth dysgeusia, abdominal pain vomiting.
Reproductive system and breast disorders:
ocular: decreased libido, Peyronie's disease, sexual dysfunction such as impotence;
systemic: micturition difficulties.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders:
ocular: hypoglycaemia;
systemic: hyperglycaemia.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:
ocular: myalgia;systemic: arthralgia.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders:
systemic: non-thrombocytopenic purpura.
4.9 OverdoseThere have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with 'Timoptol' resulting in systemic effects similar to those seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, acute cardiac insufficiency and cardiac arrest (see 'Side effects').
If overdosage occurs, the following measures should be considered:
1. Gastric lavage, if ingested. Studies have shown that timolol does not dialyse readily.
2. Symptomatic bradycardia: atropine sulphate, 0.25 to 2 mg intravenously, should be used to induce vagal blockade. If bradycardia persists, intravenous isoprenaline hydrochloride should be administered cautiously. In refractory cases, the use of a cardiac pacemaker may be considered.
3. Hypotension: a sympathomimetic pressor agent such as dopamine, dobutamine or noradrenaline should be used. In refractory cases, the use of glucagon has been reported to be useful.
4. Bronchospasm: isoprenaline hydrochloride should be used. Additional therapy with aminophylline may be considered.
5. Acute cardiac failure: conventional therapy with digitalis, diuretics, and oxygen should be instituted immediately. In refractory cases, the use of intravenous aminophylline is suggested. This may be followed, if necessary, by glucagon, which has been reported useful.
6. Heart block (second- or third-degree): isoprenaline hydrochloride or a pacemaker should be used.
5. Pharmacological properties 5.1 Pharmacodynamic propertiesTimolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anaesthetic activity. Timolol maleate combines reversibly with the beta-adrenergic receptor, and this inhibits the usual biologic response that would occur with stimulation of that receptor. This specific competitive antagonism blocks stimulation of the beta-adrenergic stimulating (agonist) activity, whether these originate from an endogenous or exogenous source. Reversal of this blockade can be accomplished by increasing the concentration of the agonist which will restore the usual biological response.
Unlike miotics, 'Timoptol' reduces IOP with little or no effect on accommodation or pupil size. In patients with cataracts, the inability to see around lenticular opacities when the pupil is constricted is avoided. When changing patients from miotics to 'Timoptol' a refraction might be necessary when the effects of the miotic have passed.
Diminished response after prolonged therapy with 'Timoptol' has been reported in some patients.
Paediatric Population:
There is only very limited data available on the use of Timolol (0.25%, 0.5% twice daily one drop) in the paediatric population. In one small, double masked, randomized, published clinical study conducted for a treatment period up to 12 weeks on 105 children (n=71 on Timolol) aged 12 days - 5 years the data have shown to some extent evidence, that Timolol in the indication primary congenital and primary juvenile glaucoma is effective in short term treatment.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic propertiesThe onset of reduction in intra-ocular pressure can be detected within one-half hour after a single dose. The maximum effect occurs in one or two hours; significant lowering of IOP can be maintained for as long as 24 hours with a single dose.
Paediatric Population:
As already confirmed by adult data, 80% of each eye drop passes through the nasolacrimal system where it may be rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation via the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, nasolacrimal duct, oropharynx and gut, or the skin from tear overflow.
Due to the fact that the blood volume in children is smaller than that in adults a higher circulation concentration has to be taken into account. In addition, neonates have immature metabolic enzyme pathways and it may result in an increase in elimination half-life and potentiating adverse events.
Limited data show that plasma timolol levels in children after 0.25% greatly exceed those in adults after 0.5%, especially in infants and are presumed to increase the risk of side effects such as bronchospasm and bradycardia.
5.3 Preclinical safety dataNo adverse ocular effects were observed in rabbits and dogs administered 'Timoptol' topically in studies lasting one and two years, respectively. The oral LD50 of the drug is 1,190 and 900 mg/kg in female mice and female rats, respectively.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
In a two-year oral study of timolol maleate in rats there was a statistically significant (p≤0.05) increase in the incidence of adrenal phaeochromocytomas in male rats administered 300 mg/kg/day (300 times the maximum recommended human oral dose). Similar differences were not observed in rats administered oral doses equivalent to 25 or 100 times the maximum recommended human oral dose.
In a lifetime oral study in mice, there were statistically significant (p≤0.05) increases in the incidence of benign and malignant pulmonary tumours, benign uterine polyps and mammary adenocarcinoma in female mice at 500 mg/kg/day (500 times the maximum recommended human dose), but not at 5 or 50 mg/kg/day. In a subsequent study in female mice, in which post-mortem examinations were limited to uterus and lungs, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of pulmonary tumours was again observed at 500 mg/kg/day.
The increased occurrence of mammary adenocarcinoma was associated with elevations in serum prolactin which occurred in female mice administered timolol at 500 mg/kg/day, but not at doses of 5 or 50 mg/kg/day. An increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in rodents has been associated with administration of several other therapeutic agents which elevate serum prolactin, but no correlation between serum prolactin levels and mammary tumours has been established in man. Furthermore, in adult human female subjects who received oral dosages of up to 60 mg of timolol maleate, the maximum recommended human oral dosage, there were no clinically meaningful changes in serum prolactin.
Timolol maleate was devoid of mutagenic potential when evaluated in vivo (mouse) in the micronucleus test and cytogenetic assay (doses up to 800 mg/kg) and in vitro in a neoplastic cell transformation assay (up to 100 mcg/ml). In Ames tests the highest concentrations of timolol employed, 5,000 or 10,000 mcg/plate, were associated with statistically significant (p≤0.05) elevations of revertants observed with tester strain TA100 (in seven replicate assays) but not in the remaining three strains. In the assays with tester strain TA100, no consistent dose-response relationship was observed, nor did the ratio of test to control revertants reach 2. A ratio of 2 is usually considered the criterion for a positive Ames test.
Reproduction and fertility studies in rats showed no adverse effect on male or female fertility at doses up to 150 times the maximum recommended human oral dose.
6. Pharmaceutical particulars 6.1 List of excipientsDisodium phosphate dodecahydrate (may be replaced by equivalent amounts of the dihydrate or anhydrous )
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (may be replaced by equivalent amounts of monohydrate)
Sodium hydroxide
Benzalkonium chloride
Water for injections
6.2 IncompatibilitiesNone known.
6.3 Shelf life36 months
Discard 'Timoptol' Eye Drops Solution 28 days after opening the bottle.
6.4 Special precautions for storageDo not store above 25°C. Store the bottle in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
6.5 Nature and contents of containerThe OCUMETER Plus ophthalmic dispenser consists of a translucent high-density polyethylene container with a sealed dropper tip, a flexible fluted side area, which is depressed to dispense the drops, and a two-piece cap assembly. The two-piece cap mechanism punctures the sealed dropper tip upon initial use, then locks together to provide a single cap during the usage period. Tamper evidence is provided by two perforated tabs on the container label extending on to the cap. The OCUMETER Plus ophthalmic dispenser contains 5 ml of solution.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handlingPatients should be instructed to avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye or surrounding structures.
Patients should also be instructed that ocular solutions, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions.
05/03/2010
