Timoptola 0.25 %/0.5 %/2.5 mg/5.0 mg Solution

TIMOPTOL u00ae ophthalmic solution is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in:

• patients with ocular hypertension
• patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma
• aphakic patients with glaucoma
• some patients with secondary glaucoma

Patients with narrow angles and a history of spontaneous or iatrogenically induced narrow-angle closure in the opposite eye, in whom reduction of intraocular pressure is necessary (see section 4.4).

TIMOPTOL u00ae is also indicated as concomitant therapy in patients with paediatric glaucoma, who are inadequately controlled with other anti-glaucoma therapy (see section 4.4).

Posology

The usual starting dose is one drop of 0,25 % solution in the affected eye(s) twice a day. If clinical response is not adequate, dosage may be changed to one drop of 0,5 % solution in each affected eye twice a day. If needed, concomitant therapy with other agent(s) for lowering intraocular pressure may be given with TIMOPTOL u00ae. The use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended (see section 4.4).

Since in some patients the pressure-lowering response to TIMOPTOL u00ae may require a few weeks to stabilise, evaluation should include a determination of intraocular pressure after approximately 4 weeks of treatment with TIMOPTOL u00ae. If the intraocular pressure is maintained at satisfactory levels, many patients can be placed on once-a-day therapy. Because of naturally occurring diurnal variations in intraocular pressure, satisfactory response is best determined by measuring the intraocular pressure at different times during the day.

When using nasolacrimal occlusion, or closing the eyelids for 2 minutes, the systemic absorption is reduced. This may result in an increase in local activity.

How to transfer patients from other therapy

When a patient is transferred from another topical ophthalmic beta-adrenergic blocking agent, that agent should be discontinued after proper dosing on one day and treatment with TIMOPTOL u00ae started on the following day with one drop of 0,25 % TIMOPTOL u00ae in the affected eye twice a day. The dose may be increased to one drop of 0,5 % TIMOPTOL u00ae twice a day if the clinical response is not adequate.

When a patient is transferred from a single anti-glaucoma agent, continue the agent already being used and add one drop of 0,25 % TIMOPTOL u00ae in each affected eye twice a day. On the following day, discontinue the previously used anti-glaucoma agent completely and continue with TIMOPTOL u00ae. If a higher dose of TIMOPTOL u00ae is required, substitute one drop of 0,50 % solution in each affected eye twice a day.

Paediatric population

The usual starting dose is one drop of 0,25 % TIMOPTOL u00ae in the affected eye(s) every 12 hours, in addition to other anti-glaucoma medication. The dosage may be increased to one drop of 0,5 % solution in the affected eye(s) every 12 hours if necessary. The use of TIMOPTOL u00ae is not recommended in premature infants or neonates.

Sinus bradycardia, sino-atrial block, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock.

Reactive airway disease, bronchial asthma or with a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

As the possibility of adverse effects on the permeability and the danger of disruption of the corneal epithelium with prolonged or repeated usage of benzalkonium chloride preserved ophthalmological preparations cannot be excluded, regular ophthalmological examination is required. Caution should be exercised in the use of benzalkonium chloride preserved topical medication over an extended period in patients with extensive ocular surface disease.

Benzalkonium chloride has been reported to cause eye irritation, symptoms of dry eyes and may affect the tear film and corneal surface. Should be used with caution in dry eye patients and in patients where the cornea may be compromised. Patients should be monitored in case of prolonged use.

Particular caution should be exercised with patients suffering from the following: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic respiratory diseases, second- and third-degree heart block and sinus bradycardia less than 50 per minute, peripheral vascular diseases and Raynaud's phenomenon.

In the peri-operative period it is generally unwise to reduce the dosage. A patient's normal tachycardia response to hypovolaemia or blood loss may be obscured during or after surgery. Particular caution should be taken in this regard.

TIMOPTOL u00ae ophthalmic solution may be absorbed systemically. The same types of cardiovascular, pulmonary and other adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. Incidence of systemic ADRs after topical ophthalmic administration is lower than for systemic administration.

Cardiac disorders

TIMOPTOL u00ae ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with known contra-indications to systemic use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. These include sinus bradycardia and greater than first-degree heart block, cardiogenic shock, diabetes, especially labile diabetes.

In patients with cardiovascular diseases (e.g. coronary heart disease, Prinzmetal's angina and cardiac failure) and hypotension therapy with beta-blockers should be critically assessed and the therapy with other active substances should be considered. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should be watched for signs of deterioration of these diseases and of adverse reactions.

Cardiac failure should be adequately controlled before beginning therapy with TIMOPTOL u00ae. In patients with a history of severe cardiac disease, signs of cardiac failure should be watched for and pulse rates should be checked.

Due to its negative effect on conduction time, beta blockers should be given with caution to patients with first-degree heart block.

Respiratory disorders

Respiratory reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma have been reported following administration of some ophthalmic beta-blockers. In patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), TIMOPTOL u00ae should be used with caution, and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Vascular disorders

Patients with severe peripheral circulatory disturbance/disorders (e.g. severe forms of Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome) should be treated with caution.

Hypoglycaemia/diabetes

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycaemia or to diabetic patients (especially those with labile diabetes) who are receiving insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycaemia.

Masking of Thyrotoxicosis

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask certain clinical signs of hyperthyroidism (e.g., tachycardia). Patients suspected of developing thyrotoxicosis should be managed carefully to avoid abrupt withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents which might precipitate a thyroid storm.

Surgical anaesthesia

Beta-blocking ophthalmological preparations may block systemic beta-agonist effects e.g. of epinephrine (adrenaline). The anaesthesiologist should be informed when the patient is receiving timolol.

The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic blocking agents prior to major surgery is controversial. If necessary during surgery, the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may be reversed by sufficient doses of adrenergic agonists.

Corneal diseases

Ophthalmic beta-blockers may induce dryness of eyes. Patients with corneal diseases should be treated with caution.

Other beta-blocking agents

Patients who are already receiving a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent systemically and who are given TIMOPTOL u00ae should be closely observed for a potential additive effect, either on the intraocular pressure or on the known systemic effects of beta blockade. The use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents is not recommended (see section 4.5). There have been reports of skin rashes and/or dry eyes associated with the use of beta-adrenoreceptor blocking medicines. The reported incidence is small and in most cases the symptoms have cleared when treatment was withdrawn. Discontinuation of the medicine should be considered if any such reaction is not otherwise explicable. Cessation of therapy involving beta-blockade should be gradual.

Choroidal detachment

Choroidal detachment has been reported with administration of aqueous suppressant therapy (e.g. timolol, acetazolamide) after filtration procedures.

In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, the immediate objective of treatment is to reopen the angle. This requires constricting the pupil with a miotic. TIMOPTOL u00ae has little or no effect on the pupil. When TIMOPTOL u00ae is used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in angle-closure glaucoma it should be used with a miotic and not alone.

Patients should be advised that if they develop an intercurrent ocular condition (e.g. trauma, ocular surgery or infection), they should immediately seek their physicianu2019s advice concerning the continued use of the present multidose container. 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.

TIMOPTOL u00ae has been generally well tolerated in glaucoma patients wearing conventional hard contact lenses. TIMOPTOL u00ae has not been studied in patients wearing lenses made with material other than polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which is used to make hard contact lenses. TIMOPTOL u00ae contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative which may be deposited in soft contact lenses; therefore TIMOPTOL u00ae should not be used while wearing these lenses. The lenses should be removed before application of the drops and not be reinserted earlier than 15 minutes after use.

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, either accidental, diagnostic or therapeutic. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

Paediatric Population

Timolol solutions should generally be used cautiously in young glaucoma patients. It is important to notify the parents of potential side effects, so they can immediately discontinue the medicine therapy (see section 4.8). Signs to look for are, for example, coughing and wheezing. Because of the possibility of apnoea and Cheyne-Stokes breathing, the medicine should be used with extreme caution in neonates, infants and younger children. A portable apnoea monitor may also be helpful for neonates on timolol.

No specific medicine interaction studies have been performed with timolol maleate. Although TIMOPTOL u00ae used alone has little or no effect on pupil size, mydriasis resulting from concomitant therapy with TIMOPTOL u00ae and epinephrine (adrenaline) has been reported.

Potentiated systemic beta-blockade (e.g. decreased heart rate, depression) has been reported during combined treatment with CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. quinidine, SSRIs - including fluoxetine and paroxetine) and timolol. The potential exists for additive effects and production of hypotension and/or marked bradycardia when TIMOPTOL u00ae is administered together with an oral calcium entry blocker, catecholamine-depleting medicines, antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone), parasympathomimetics, digitalis glycosides, rauwolfia alkaloids, guanethidine or beta-adrenergic blocking agents.

Close observation of the patient is recommended when a beta-blocker is administered to patients receiving catecholamine-depleting medicines 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.

While no side effects of the oculo-cutaneous syndrome type have been described with this product, the possibility of their development with prolonged usage has not been excluded, and regular ophthalmic examination is required.

TIMOPTOL u00ae should be administered with care in patients suffering from myasthenia gravis. Deterioration in myasthenia has been reported after application of the ophthalmic solution.

Oral beta-adrenergic blocking agents may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine.

Special note

Digitalisation of patients receiving long-term TIMOPTOL u00ae therapy may be necessary if congestive cardiac failure is likely to develop. This combination can be considered despite the potentiation of negative chronotropic effect of the two medicines. Careful control of dosages and of the individual patientu2019s response (and notably pulse rate) is essential in this situation. Abrupt discontinuation of therapy may cause exacerbation of angina pectoris in patients suffering from ischaemic heart disease. Discontinuation of therapy should be gradual, and patients should be advised to limit the extent of their physical activity, during the period that the medicine is being discontinued. Patients with phaeochromocytoma usually require treatment with an alpha-adrenergic blocker.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data for the use of timolol maleate in pregnant women. TIMOPTOL u00ae should not be used during pregnancy. To reduce the systemic absorption, see section 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 u00ae is administered until delivery, the neonate should be carefully monitored during the first days of life.

Breastfeeding

TIMOPTOL u00ae is detectable in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from TIMOPTOL u00ae in infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.

Possible side effects such as dizziness, visual disturbances, refractive changes, diplopia, ptosis, frequent episodes of mild and transient blurred vision and fatigue may affect some patientsu2019 ability to drive or operate machinery.

Like other topically applied ophthalmic medicines, 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.

TIMOPTOL u00ae ophthalmic solution is usually well tolerated. The following adverse reactions have been reported with ocular administration of this or other timolol maleate formulations, either in clinical trials or since the medicine 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 u00ae.

Very Common ( u2265 1/10)

Common ( u2265 1/100 to < 1/10)

Uncommon ( u2265 1/1 000 to < 1/100)

Rare ( u2265 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000)

Not Known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Systemic non-thrombocytopenic purpura

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

Very Common ( u2265 1/10)

Common ( u2265 1/100 to < 1/10)

Uncommon ( u2265 1/1 000 to < 1/100)

Rare ( u2265 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000)

Not Known

Psychiatric disorders

Ocular depression

insomnia, nightmares, memory loss

hallucination

Systemic diminished concentration, increased dreaming

Nervous system disorders

Ocular headache

syncope, dizziness

cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischaemia, paraesthesia, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Systemic vertigo, local weakness

Eye disorders

Ocular signs and symptoms of ocular irritation

visual disturbances including ptosis, diplopia, choroidal detachment

blurred vision, corneal erosion

Very Common ( u2265 1/10)

Common ( u2265 1/100 to < 1/10)

Uncommon ( u2265 1/1 000 to < 1/100)

Rare ( u2265 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000)

Not Known

(including burning, stinging, itching, tearing, redness) conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity and dry eyes

refractive changes (due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases) (following filtration surgery, see section 4.4), cases of corneal calcification have been reported very rarely in association with the use of phosphate containing eye drops in some patients with significantly damaged corneas

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Ocular tinnitus

Cardiac disorders

Ocular bradycardia

chest pain, palpitation, oedema, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, heart cardiac failure, oedema

Very Common ( u2265 1/10)

Common ( u2265 1/100 to < 1/10)

Uncommon ( u2265 1/1 000 to < 1/100)

Rare ( u2265 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000)

Not Known

block, cardiac arrest

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, Raynaudu2019s phenomenon, cold hands and feet

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Ocular dyspnoea

bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with pre-existing bronchospastic disease), respiratory failure, cough

Systemic rales

Gastrointestinal disorders

Ocular nausea, dyspepsia

diarrhoea, dry mouth

abdominal pain, dysgeusia, vomiting

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Ocular alopecia, psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis

skin rash

Systemic sweating, exfoliative dermatitis

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Ocular

Very Common ( u2265 1/10)

Common ( u2265 1/100 to < 1/10)

Uncommon ( u2265 1/1 000 to < 1/100)

Rare ( u2265 1/10 000 to < 1/1 000)

Not Known

Peyronieu2019s disease, decreased libido

sexual dysfunction such as impotence

Systemic micturition difficulties

General disorders and administration site conditions

Ocular asthenia/fatigue

Systemic extremity pain, decreased exercise tolerance

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Ocular hypoglycaemia

Systemic hyperglycaemia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Ocular myalgia

Systemic arthralgia

Respiratory reactions and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in cardiac failure have been reported following administration of TIMOPTOL u00ae. The frequency of these events has not been determined.

Aphakic cystoid macular oedema, nasal congestion, anorexia, CNS effects (e.g. behavioural changes including confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, disorientation, nervousness, somnolence, and other psychic disturbances), hypertension, retroperitoneal fibrosis and pseudo pemphigoid have been reported, although a causal relationship to TIMOPTOL u00ae has not been established.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicine is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicine. Health care providers are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA via the u201c6.04 Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Formu201d, found online under SAHPRAu2019s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8. Alternatively report to the following e-mail address: [email protected].

The most common signs and symptoms to be expected with overdosage with administration of a systemic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent are symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm and acute cardiac failure. In addition, there have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with TIMOPTOL u00ae 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 section 4.8).

The following therapeutic measures should be considered:

1. Gastric lavage: If ingested. Studies have been shown that timolol does not dialyse readily.
2. Symptomatic bradycardia: Use atropine sulphate intravenously in a dosage of 0,25 to 2 mg to induce vagal blockade. If bradycardia persists, intravenous isoproterenol hydrochloride should be administered cautiously. In refractory cases the use of a transvenous cardiac pacemaker may be considered.
3. Hypotension: Use sympathomimetic pressor medicine therapy, such as dopamine, dobutamine or levarterenol. In refractory cases the use of glucagon hydrochloride has been reported to be useful.
4. Bronchospasm: Use isoproterenol hydrochloride. 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 hydrochloride which has been reported to be useful.
6. Heart block (second- or third-degree): Use isoproterenol hydrochloride or a transvenous cardiac pacemaker.