Drug interactions
Insulin degludec + Timolol
Severity: Moderate
Insulin degludec and Timolol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Beta-blockers can mask adrenergic warning symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor and palpitations, and may delay recovery from low glucose. They can also occasionally worsen glycemic control. Sweating is usually preserved.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin degludec and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Insulin degludec belongs to Endocrine; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta-adrenergic blockade impairs glycogenolysis and counter-regulatory responses and blunts the autonomic symptoms of hypoglycemia.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more closely when starting or changing timolol and educate the patient that hypoglycemia may be less obvious. Adjust the insulin dose if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Albuterol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
Other interactions of Insulin degludec
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin degludec with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Insulin degludec and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Beta-blockers can mask adrenergic warning symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor and palpitations, and may delay recovery from low glucose. They can also occasionally worsen glycemic control. Sweating is usually preserved.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin degludec and Timolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more closely when starting or changing timolol and educate the patient that hypoglycemia may be less obvious. Adjust the insulin dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Albuterol, Aldesleukin. The full list is on the Timolol page.
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