# Timolol (glaucoma eye drops) in Nigeria

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/timolol/
- Drug class: Beta-blocker (topical, for glaucoma) (Eye & Ear Drops)
- Also known as: Timoptol, Glucomol, Nyolol
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: September 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of September 2026, Timolol (glaucoma eye drops) drops sells for about ₦770 per ml online in Nigeria (packs ₦1,560–₦5,625) across HealthPlus and Supermart.ng. The online price is roughly unchanged since August 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Timolol (glaucoma eye drops)?

Timolol eye drops are one of the most widely used treatments for glaucoma — a condition where the pressure inside the eye is too high and slowly damages the optic nerve, threatening sight. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in Nigeria, and because it is usually painless and creeps up silently, many people only discover it once vision is already lost. Timolol, sold as brands like Timoptol, Nyolol, and Glucomol, is often the first eye drop prescribed to bring that pressure down.

Timolol is a beta-blocker. In the eye it works by reducing the amount of fluid (aqueous humour) the eye produces, which lowers the pressure inside it. Keeping the eye pressure controlled is what protects the optic nerve from further damage. It does not cure glaucoma or restore sight already lost — its job is to prevent further loss — which is why it must be used every day, long-term, exactly as prescribed, even though the eye feels completely normal.

Timolol is usually put in once or twice a day. Although they are only drops, a small amount is absorbed into the body, so timolol can occasionally cause the same effects as a beta-blocker taken by mouth — this matters for people with asthma or certain heart conditions, who may not be able to use it. Because glaucoma is silent and treatment is lifelong, the biggest challenge is sticking with the drops faithfully. Anyone over 40, and especially those with a family history of glaucoma, should have their eye pressure checked. Genuine products carry a NAFDAC registration number.

## What is Timolol (glaucoma eye drops) used for?

- Lowering raised intraocular (inside-the-eye) pressure in glaucoma
- Long-term control of primary open-angle glaucoma to preserve remaining sight
- Treating ocular hypertension — raised eye pressure before nerve damage occurs
- First-line or add-on therapy, often combined with other glaucoma drops
- Protecting the optic nerve by keeping eye pressure in a safe range

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The usual dose is 1 drop of 0.25% or 0.5% timolol into the affected eye(s) once or twice a day, exactly as your eye doctor prescribes. A useful technique after instilling the drop is to gently close the eye and press on the inner corner (near the nose) for 1-2 minutes — this reduces how much drug drains into the body and lowers side effects. If you use more than one type of eye drop, leave about 5 minutes between them.
- Children: Glaucoma in children is uncommon and specialised; timolol is used in children only under the care of an eye specialist, who will set the strength and dose carefully.
- Elderly: Timolol is widely used in older adults, who make up most glaucoma patients, but they are also more likely to have heart or breathing conditions that timolol can affect — so the doctor will check for these before prescribing.

This is a lifelong, every-day medicine, and the eye will feel normal whether or not you use it — do not stop or skip doses because 'nothing is wrong', as unchecked pressure quietly destroys sight. Keep to your review appointments so pressure and the optic nerve can be monitored. Do not run out: plan refills ahead. Tell any doctor treating you that you use timolol, as it can add to the effects of beta-blocker tablets.

## Side effects

Common: Brief stinging or burning when the drop goes in; Dry, gritty, or irritated eyes; Temporary blurred vision just after applying; Occasionally a slower heart rate or mild tiredness from the small amount absorbed.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Wheezing, breathlessness, or a worsening of asthma — stop and seek care urgently; A very slow or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or marked tiredness; New or worsening breathlessness on lying flat or swelling of the ankles (possible heart effects); Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

When to see a doctor: Seek care urgently if you develop wheezing, shortness of breath, a very slow heartbeat, or fainting, as these can be beta-blocker effects from the absorbed drops. See your eye doctor if the eye becomes painful or red, if vision changes, or if you miss doses and pressure may have risen. Attend all scheduled eye-pressure and optic-nerve checks — because glaucoma is painless, monitoring is the only way to know the treatment is working.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do not use if you have asthma or a history of significant breathing problems (COPD) — timolol can trigger severe wheezing; Do not use if you have a very slow heart rate, certain heart-rhythm problems, or uncontrolled heart failure; Do not use if you are allergic to timolol or other beta-blockers; Use with caution, and tell your doctor, if you have diabetes (it can mask low-blood-sugar warning signs) or an overactive thyroid.

Interactions: Beta-blocker tablets (such as atenolol) and some heart-rhythm or blood-pressure medicines (like verapamil or diltiazem) can add to timolol's effects on heart rate — tell your doctor about all your medicines; Certain drugs used for high blood pressure or heart conditions may interact; your doctor will take this into account; If you use other eye drops, leave about 5 minutes between them so each is absorbed; Pressing on the inner corner of the eye after the drop reduces how much reaches the rest of the body.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Timolol should be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if your doctor judges it necessary, because the small amount absorbed can reach the baby; the tear-duct pressing technique helps limit this. Never stop glaucoma treatment on your own if you become pregnant — instead, tell your eye doctor promptly so the safest plan can be arranged, since uncontrolled eye pressure also carries risk.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Timoptol (Santen (MSD), made in United Kingdom); Nyolol (Novartis, made in Germany); Ivytimol (Dortemag Ventures Limited, made in Kenya); Optimol (Lin-Kabs Pharmaceutical Limited, made in Macao).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/timolol/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the bottle — genuine glaucoma eye drops in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile app, especially for imported brands like Timoptol and Nyolol
3. Buy from licensed pharmacies, and get glaucoma drops on the recommendation of an eye specialist who monitors your pressure
4. Check the expiry date and that the seal is intact; note the opening date and follow the discard time on the label
5. Genuine drops should be clear with no particles or discolouration; do not use a cloudy or dirty-looking solution
6. Because glaucoma treatment is lifelong, use a consistent, verified source so you always get a genuine, correctly stored product

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Can timolol eye drops cure my glaucoma?

No — and this is the most important thing to understand about glaucoma. Timolol lowers the pressure inside the eye to stop the optic nerve being damaged further, but it cannot cure glaucoma or bring back sight that has already been lost. Its whole purpose is to protect the vision you still have. That is why it must be used every single day, for life, exactly as prescribed, even though your eye feels perfectly normal. Stopping because 'nothing hurts' is the commonest way people lose sight to glaucoma. Keep using the drops and attend your check-ups.

### Who should not use timolol eye drops?

People with asthma or serious breathing problems (COPD) should generally not use timolol, because even the small amount absorbed from eye drops can trigger dangerous wheezing. It is also avoided in people with a very slow heart rate, certain heart-rhythm disorders, or uncontrolled heart failure. Always tell your eye doctor about your full medical history and every medicine you take, including beta-blocker tablets. If timolol is not suitable, there are other classes of glaucoma drops your doctor can use instead.

### Why is glaucoma so dangerous if it does not hurt?

That is exactly why it is dangerous. The common type of glaucoma is painless and produces no symptoms until a large amount of side (peripheral) vision has already been permanently lost — and that lost vision cannot be recovered. Many Nigerians only discover glaucoma once it is advanced. Because the eye feels normal, the only way to catch it early is through eye-pressure and optic-nerve checks, especially for anyone over 40 or with a family history of glaucoma. Timolol and similar drops can preserve sight if started in time and used faithfully — so regular eye checks and daily drops are the key to keeping your vision.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)