Timolol is a type of drug called a beta-blocker. It comes as a gel called timolol maleate 0.5%, that is spread onto the haemangioma. It helps to stop haemangiomas from growing and can speed up the normal shrinking process.

How effective is timolol for hemangioma?

Response rates in the individual studies of topical timolol ranged from 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24% to 71%) to 100% (95% CI 59% to 100%), with the meta‑estimate being 83% (95% CI 65% to 93%). The rate of complete resolution of haemangiomas was reported in only a few studies and was lower than these rates.

How long does it take timolol to work on hemangioma?

Response times ranged from 4 to 8 weeks following timolol treatment. All children continued receiving topical timolol until their last office visits, ranging from 1 to 6 months. Among these 7 children, the reduction in hemangioma size and volume varied from 55% to 95% with follow-up for 1 to 6 months after treatment.