The mechanism of action of timolol is probably the reduction of the formation of aqueous humor in the ciliary body in the eye. It was the first beta blocker approved for topical use in treatment of glaucoma in the United States (1978). When used by itself, it depresses intraocular pressure (IOP) 18–34% below baseline within first few treatments. However, there are short-term escape and long-term drift effects in some people. That is, tolerance develops. It may reduce the extent of the diurnal IOP curve up to 50%. The IOP is higher during sleep. Efficacy of timolol in lowering IOP during the sleep period may be limited. It is a 5–10× more potent β-blocker than propranolol. Timolol is light-sensitive; it is usually preserved with 0.01% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), but also comes BAC-free. It can also be used in combination with pilocarpine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or prostaglandin analogs.A Cochrane review compared the effect of timolol versus brimonidine in slowing the progression of open angle glaucoma in adults but found insufficient evidence to come to conclusions. On the skin
In its gel form it is used on the skin to treat infantile hemangiomas. Contraindications
The medication should not be taken by individuals with:
An allergy to timolol or any other beta-blockers
Asthma or severe chronic obstructive bronchitis
A slow heart rate (bradycardia), or a heart block
Heart failure

Side effects
The most serious possible side effects include cardiac arrhythmias and severe bronchospasms.
Notable cases
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hospitalized on December 30, 2012, for anticoagulation treatment of venous thrombosis of the right transverse sinus, which is located at the base of the brain. Clintons thrombotic episode was discovered on an MRI scan done for follow-up of a cerebral concussion she had sustained 2.5 weeks previously, when she fell while suffering from gastroenteritis. References
External links

"Intracranial venous thrombosis – Patient UK". UCH Institute for Child Health. "Clinical guideline Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Children". Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2007.