Cosopt

Generic name: Dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate

What is Cosopt?

Cosopt is a medicine for lowering pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma. It is often used when another eye drop medication alone is not adequate to control eye pressure.

What is the most important information I should know about Cosopt?

Eye medications, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause eye infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye medications. If you think your medication may be contaminated, or if you develop an eye infection, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Who should not take Cosopt?

Do not take Cosopt if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Also, do not use this drug if you have breathing or lung problems, a slow or irregular heart beat, or heart failure.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Cosopt?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Cosopt. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of breathing or lung problems, high blood sugar, thyroid problems, and kidney or liver problems. Also, tell your doctor if you develop an eye infection, develop a red or swollen eye or eyelid, receive an eye injury and develop new or worsening eye symptoms, or if you plan on having any type of surgery.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dose of Cosopt is 1 drop in the morning and 1 drop in the evening in the affected eye(s).

How should I take Cosopt?

If you are using Cosopt with another eyedrop, the eyedrops should be used at least 10 minutes apart.

To take Cosopt, tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down slightly to form a pocket between your eyelid and your eye. Invert the bottle, and press lightly with the thumb or index finger over the "Finger Push Area" until a single drop is dispensed into the eye.

What should I avoid while taking Cosopt?

Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch the eye or areas around the eye to prevent the contamination of your medicine. Contamination may cause eye infections leading to serious damage to the eye, even loss of vision.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Cosopt?

If Cosopt is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cosopt with any of the following: beta-blockers such as propranolol, calcium antagonists such as nifedipine, clonidine, digitalis in combination with calcium antagonists, injectable epinephrine, oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide, quinidine, reserpine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

What are the possible side effects of Cosopt?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: bitter or sour taste after eyedrops have been placed in the eye, blurred vision, burning and stinging, redness of the eye(s), tearing or itching

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience an irregular heartbeat and/or a slowing of your heart rate, shortness of breath, visual changes

Can I receive Cosopt if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Cosopt during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cosopt?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 8 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Cosopt?

Store at room temperature, away from light.