Cosopt

Common use

Cosopt is an eye drop solution used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension when a beta-blocking medicine alone does not work to control the eye pressure. Cosopt eye drops contain a combination of dorzolamide and timolol. Dorzolamide reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye. Timolol is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.

Dosage and direction

Wash your hands before using eye medication. Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed. Do not touch the tip of the Cosopt eye dropper or place it directly on your eye.
Do not Cosopt eye drops use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Precautions

To make sure Cosopt is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: breathing problems; an allergy to sulfa drugs; a genetic disposition for allergic reactions, or if you've had a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction; muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis; a thyroid disorder; liver or kidney disease; diabetes; or if you plan to have surgery.
It is not known whether dorzolamide or timolol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Contraindications

You should not use Cosopt eye drops if you are allergic to dorzolamide or timolol, or if you have: a history of asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; or heart failure, slow heartbeats; heart block or "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree); or heart muscle damage (such as from a heart attack).
You should not breastfeed while using Cosopt. Do not use Cosopt in a child younger than 2 years old.

Possible side effect

Common Cosopt side effects may include: a bitter or unusual taste in your mouth after using the eye drops; blurred vision; watery eyes; or redness, burning, stinging, or itching in your eyes.

Drug interaction

Many drugs can interact with dorzolamide and timolol, and using certain other drugs at the same time is not recommended. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Missed dose

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Certain symptoms may occur if this medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. This includes dizziness, muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingling, trouble breathing, slow heartbeats, or fluttering in your chest.

Storage

Store Cosopt eye drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children and pets.