Timolol

What are the benefits of using timolol in pregnancy?

Use of timolol eye drops can help to prevent sight problems (including blindness) in people with glaucoma.

Are there any risks of using timolol during pregnancy?

Timolol in eyedrop form enters the woman’s bloodstream in small amounts. Only a handful of pregnant women specifically using timolol have been studied, but overall there is no concern that its use causes problems.

Timolol belongs to a family of medicines called beta blockers. Studies have not shown that beta blockers cause birth defects, stillbirth or preterm birth. Women taking beta blockers in tablet form may be more likely to have a small baby. However a small baby can be due to underlying health conditions that beta blockers are commonly used to treat, like high blood pressure. It is therefore difficult to know if a beta blocker has also contributed to the baby being small. 

Occasionally, beta blockers taken in tablet form in late pregnancy can affect the baby for a short while after birth (for example, causing low blood sugar). The baby may require an extra day or two in hospital following birth to look out for any problems. If these occur, they can be easily treated and usually settle quickly.

While it is unlikely that the small amount of timolol reaching the baby from eye drops would have an effect, it is still sensible to try and minimise the amount entering the bloodstream. To do this, apply the drops and close the eyes for one to two minutes, or press the fingertips to the inner corners of the eyes for at least one minute.

Are there any alternatives to using timolol?

Possibly. Other medicines can be used to treat glaucoma. You should let your midwife, GP obstetrician or eye specialist know that you are taking timolol so that it can be reviewed as soon as possible. If you have any questions about a medicine that you are offered in pregnancy you should discuss them with your doctor or midwife.

What if I prefer not to take medicines during pregnancy?

It very important that glaucoma continues to be appropriately treated during pregnancy as stopping treatment can cause irreversible sight damage. Your doctor will only prescribe medicines when absolutely necessary and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you might have.