Cosopt

Dorzolamide Hydrochloride/Timolol Maleate Drug Information

• Cosopt Overview

  Cosopt contains two drugs used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. Cosopt works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. Timolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-blockers, and dorzolamide belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

• How to Use Cosopt

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using timolol/dorzolamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Cosopt is for use in the eye(s), usually one drop in the affected eye(s) 2 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Some products contain a preservative that may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you are using a product with a preservative and you wear contact lenses, remove the lenses before using the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop in your eye. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use Cosopt regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. It is important to continue using Cosopt even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick.

• Cosopt Precautions

  Before using timolol/dorzolamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to these drugs; or if you have any other allergies. Cosopt may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cosopt, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), certain types of irregular heartbeats (e.g., sinus bradycardia, second or third degree AV block), certain types of heart disease (e.g., heart failure), kidney disease (e.g., kidney stones), liver disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid disease, muscle weakness disorders, low blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency), severe allergies. If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of timolol/dorzolamide. You may be advised to start using a new bottle. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Cosopt. If you have diabetes, Cosopt may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by Cosopt. Cosopt may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Cosopt should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Cosopt passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cosopt Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cosopt, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Cosopt Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.high doses of aspirin or related salicylates, oral beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, methazolamide), clonidine, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine), digoxin, epinephrine, fingolimod, methyldopa, quinidine. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• Cosopt Side Effects

  What are Cosopt side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cosopt may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cosopt as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cosopt

  The side effects of Cosopt may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cosopt. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cosopt may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cosopt, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cosopt.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cosopt, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cosopt and the side effects associated with Cosopt are described in the following:

  Common Cosopt Side Effects

  Severe

  • ocular itching

  Less Severe

  • punctate keratitis
  • ocular irritation
  • dysgeusia

  Less Frequent Cosopt Side Effects

  Severe

  • conjunctivitis

  Less Severe

  • photophobia
  • blurred vision
  • dry eye
  • eye tearing
  • ocular redness
  • conjunctivitis
  • upper respiratory infection
  • dizziness
  • headache disorder
  • ocular discharge
  • ocular pain

  Rare or Very Rare Cosopt Side Effects

  Severe

  • Iridocyclitis
  • myopia
  • ocular pain
  • sore throat
  • urolithiasis
  • contact dermatitis
  • paresthesia
  • skin rash
  • epistaxis
  • dyspnea
  • angioedema
  • choroidal detachment
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • agranulocytosis
  • aplastic anemia
  • hepatic necrosis
  • neutropenic disorder
  • choroidal detachment
  • keratitis
  • decreased corneal sensitivity
  • hypertension
  • heart block
  • bradycardia
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • anaphylaxis
  • acute respiratory insufficiency
  • cystoid macular edema
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • heart failure
  • hypotension
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • angioedema

  Less Severe

  • eyelid crusting
  • xerostomia
  • dizziness
  • general weakness
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • acute confusion
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • depression
  • diplopia
  • blurred vision
  • visual changes
  • blepharitis
  • blepharoptosis
  • ocular redness
  • ocular irritation
  • ocular itching
  • tinnitus
  • angina
  • delirium
  • skin pigmentation enhancement
  • nasal congestion
  • erectile dysfunction
  • pruritus of skin
  • alopecia
  • urticaria
  • drowsy
  • hallucinations
  • dysuria
  • fatigue
  • paresthesia
  • skin rash
  • vertigo
  • palpitations
  • behavioral disorders
  • dyspnea
  • cough
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dyspepsia
  • general weakness
  • chest pain
  • Raynaud's phenomenon
  • sensation of cold
  • insomnia
  • xerostomia
  • anorexia
  • foreign body sensation of eye
  • eye tearing
  • dry eye
  • psoriasiform eruption
  • nightmares
  • nervousness
  • memory impairment

• Cosopt Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the single-use containers in the pouch. Discard any unused single-use containers 15 days after opening the pouch. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Cosopt is normally colorless. Discard the solution if it changes color, becomes cloudy, or develops particles. If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after each use. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cosopt when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.