What should be monitored in a patient taking timolol for glaucoma?

When a patient is prescribed timolol for glaucoma, monitoring heart rate and blood pressure is essential due to the systemic effects of the medication. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can potentially lower heart rate and blood pressure; therefore, assessing these vital signs helps ensure the patient does not experience bradycardia or hypotension.

Timolol is primarily an eye drop medication used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, but like all systemic medications, it can have side effects impacting cardiovascular function. Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure allows for early identification of any adverse effects and helps guide further management.

While other aspects such as visual acuity, ocular discharge, and color vision alterations may be considered, they are not directly related to the systemic implications of timolol as a beta-blocker. Thus, keeping a close watch on heart rate and blood pressure is the most critical consideration when a patient is on this medication.